Excellent Smith-Corona A3 Rifle for WW2……………(F 1180)
Created on January 6th 2025
Fine example of the US Smith-Corona Model A3 Service Rifle for WW II
There is a school of thought that beleives the U.S. Smith-Corona rifles are slightly better made weapons than the more prolific Remingtons. However, debatable as it would be, it would be a hard point to prove. Ultimately, a lesser number were produced. So, as surviving examples are less easy to find – especially in this kind of condition, they become a slightly more interesting option to the shooter/collector. Exactly the same as the Remington produced items, this example though, has a four grove bore. Chambered in .30-06 with a Mauser-type bolt action mechanism and a three position safety catch. The rifle has a 5 -shot internal magazine which can be stripper clip fed from above, through guides machined into the front edge of the rear action bridge.
Fully stocked in an American Black Walnut scant-grip, twin cross-bolt stock, the rifle measures 43. 3/4″ in overall length. The round parkerised barrel is 24″ long and the trigger Pull is 13″ to centre. The receiver ring is marked as follows: “U.S. / SMITH-CORONA / MODEL 03-A3 / 4720662” This serial number puts production within July to August of 1943. Closer investigation actually puts it at the start of the second main order block (serial numbers) from the government. The barrel looks like it was from internal factory stock which must have been on hand, as it is marked “S. C. / flaming bomb / 6 -43”. So in effect, it is slightly earlier by a month or so than the rifle. Furthermore, the flaming bomb motif is not centre punched indicating; as original and not re-inspected at a later date. The overall finish indicates the rifle has not been re-finished. It has an even, all-over light grey, single layer parkerised finish. This finish is particularly resistant to corrosion and although thin, the Parkerizing has protected the rifle efficiently.
The A3 rifle was a war time expedient of its predecessor, the straight Model 1903 Springfield. Some of the ways the manufacturers saved time and money can be easily observed on this example. To aid accuracy and simplify the sighting process the sights were moved further apart, placing the rear sight within a guard on the back of the rear action bridge. The sight itself had developed into a sliding aperture sight, graduated from 100 to 1000 yards. There is windage adjustment through an easy to use knurled adjustment wheel mounted outside the sight guard on the RHS. With each 1/4 turn of the wheel a positive click is felt through the finger and thumb, holding it in position after each minute movement. This feels reassuring to the user and helps retain the adjustment through firing. Simple blade fore-sight. Other signs of the wartime changes are the pressed steel fittings such as the trigger guard and magazine base (all one piece) the barrel bands and end-cap. The front sling swivel and stacking hook.
The steel chequered butt plate (correct variation for Smith-Corona) has a trap for cleaning equipment and has retained some colour. The stock has some black, straight line figure to the timber, demonstrating the reason for its name – American Black Walnut, which is pleasing on the eye. The barrel, as mentioned above, is the original Smith-Corona fitment with the information behind the front sight reading; “S. C. / flaming bomb / 6 – 43″ Bayonet attachment stud under nose-cap – also pressed steel. The bolt arm stub is marked with the “N.S.” mark and on the underside a solitary “3”. N.S. meaning Nickle Steel. Gas escape hole on LHS of receiver. Some Remington components have crept into the bolt, this is not unusual for rifle of this era. However, to comply with standard safety practices and the proof law, this bolt has been freshly proofed with this rifle and is marked accordingly. The bore is obviously used but very good for its age and will perform well on the range; no pitting or interuption to lands. A fine and readily usable example of a standard specification US bolt action battle rifle.
Stock No F 1180 – FAC Required
£ 1925.
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