U.S. Smith-Corona 1903-A3 Rifle………………… (F 1287)

Excellent complete Smith-Corona U.S. Service Rifle

In the field of collecting 1903s’ this weapon should not be ignored. It represents an important measure taken by the US during Second World War to meet the massive requirements of the U.S. war machine. Although originally designed to be a cheaper mass produced rifle, the Smith-Corona has proved to be an excellent reliable workhorse which can still outshoot many a modern weapon. Many of these simple Mauser bolt actions have been modified or had Remington parts added, this example has escaped that fate lightly with only a couple of fairly minor changes.  It still stands as a testement to 1940s’ American manufacturing might, which in the end, was one of the strongest home front factors that defeated their aggressors.  This model was in effect their Erstatz model.  However, the process had taken nothing away from producing an extremely effective and accurate infantry rifle.

The process of removing the highly complicated rear sight and replacing it with a more simple aperture sight, then repositioning it on the rear action bridge, actually improved the basic aiming geometry of the rifle.  We have had many positive reports of accurracy at good distances with these open sights.  Also, within that design process they decided that the need for 2000 yard plus sights was no longer a necessity.  The stock was easier to produce and the fittings also; in the end they had a rifle that they could produce quicker and at less cost then the original 1903 Springfield.  Two main companies were chosen to take on manufacture of the new Model 03-A3, Remington and the Smith-Corona Typewriter company.  In collectors terms the later is more desirable as the final quantities ended up being smaller than the mighty Remington.

Model 1903A3 of standard military specification. OAL is 43.1/2″  The Pull length is 13″ to center.   S/n “4804714” with 24″ barrel, clear markings on the breech; U.S./SMITH-CORONA/MODEL 03-A3 and serial number denoting manufacture in late 1943. Plain Black American Walnut stock with twin reinforcing bolts showing minimal dents and scratches from an active service life.  The stock is of the straight grip type with a one-piece hand-guard over the barrel.  The flat sides of the stock show planing chatter marks.  The fact that this has not been sanded out is further evidence that production targets were, by this time in the war, more important that fine finish quality.  Having said that, it is important to stress that very few really bad examples of this weapon have ever turned up, and 99% of those handled have lasted extremely well with little sign of corrosion or serious metal surface degredation.  The parkerised finish on these rifles always holds up very well against corrosion.  The barrel is marked behind the foresight with “S.C./Flaming Bomb mark/10-43.”  Giving, Manufacturer /US Ordenance mark / Oct 1943, date of manufacture.

Sliding apereture rear sight graduated to 1000 yards with windage adjustment knurled wheel to the RHS outside the guard. The whole being set on a dark parkerised action.  As with most Smith-Corona bolts it is mostly blued, but shroud, safety and cocking piece are parkerised.  Two sling swivles and a stacking hook, all pressed fittings including trigger guard, magazine floor plate and bands. Correct scallopped front screw recess on floorplate for S.C. production.  Final inspectors circled “P” inspection mark behind trigger guard and an indistinguishible triangle stamp. The correct S.C. inspection marks in front of the magazine floor plate.  Good action and bright clean clear bore with stong rifling and no corrosion at all.  Clean defined four-groove bore with RH twist, strong rifling bright on lands and in grooves. Correct Smith-Corona type chequered buttplate with trap for oil bottle etc. Foresight protector still in place although “R” marked.  Butt-stock marked with Unit and rack numbers, meaning unknown; “APA – 190 – 4”  Hand applied.  Also marked “24” under mid-band.

On the LHS of the wrist are the final ordenance inspectors initials “FJA” withn a boxed cartouche; Col. Frank J, Atwood.  Adjacent, the Ordnance Department Crossed Cannons cartouche. Notably, no R.A. Mark for Remington; so not a Remington stock.  Single dot marking on both sides of bolt stem.  Magazine cut-off and bolt removal switch mounted on the rear LHS of the action, clearly marked “ON” & “OFF”.  The significance of this is that you have to think of the magazine cut-off as a device and you are either setting it to function or not – that is the simplest way to think about it – some modern shooters get easily confused !

A fine piece of collectable but highly shootable US military history. Imported by By Sword & Musket in 2009 and Proofed, unused since.

Stock No’ F 1287  –  FAC required.

£ 1495.

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