WW II 03-A3 Smith-Corona US Service Rifle…………(F 1216)
Created on January 23rd 2025
Fine US Service Rifle by Smith-Corona
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 these examples. 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 been 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 RHS of the sight guard. With each 1/4 turn of the wheel a positive click is felt through the finger and thumb, holding it in position after each click. This feels reassuring to the user and helps retain the adjustment when 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 stock itself is far more simple in design.
Fully stocked in an American Black Walnut straight wrist, twin pin 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 / 4738776” This serial number puts production of the reciver in August of 1943. The barrel is marked “S. C. / flaming bomb / 7 -43”. So in effect, it is slightly earlier by a month than the rifle. Furthermore, the flaming bomb motif is not centre punched indicating; as original and not replaced at a later date. The overall finish indicates the rifle, has at some stage, been re-finished. It has an even, all-over light grey, single layer parkerised finish; absolutely original rifles will have a blued bolt. The Parkerising is particularly resistant to corrosion and although thin through use and age, it has protected the rifle efficiently. One very rarely sees a rusty Parkerised 03-A3.
A pleasing feature in Smith-Corona collecting terms is the prescense of the clear “X” on the upper surface of the bolt stub; this is a recognised Smith-Corona marking. Also notable, is the correctly contoured trigger guard surround to the front action fixing. This should be circular as opposed to the Remington version which is straight. A distinction is also visible with the checkering of the steel buttplate. This the correct type has the ten squares per inch as opposed to the 16 of the Remington type. Why are we getting excited about how many squares per inch there are on the buttplate? Because the American rifles were not numbered all over like some of the other breeds, so the best we can do is confirm we have a rifle that at least appears to have been made in one factory. Also, through refits and field armoury repairs, matching rifles have definately dwindled in number. Matching parts manufactured rifles should always command a premium.
Another superb bonus with this rifle is its excellent four groove bore. Chambered in .30-06 with a 5-shot internal magazine and Mauser bolt system. Behind the pressed steel trigger guard is the correct Smith-Corona larger plain circled “P” final proof stamping. A small “W” sits between the two. In front of the trigger guard fitting is the usual correct collection of factory stamps. On the LHS of the wrist is the clear boxed “FJA” inspection mark and the crossed cannons. (No RA for Remington) Magazine cutt-off and bolt release switch to rear of action LHS. Rouge fitting “R” marked nosecap – the only other imposters being the bolt shroud (possibly) and the safety catch also being “R” marked and the two pressed sling swivles.
The rifle has a “U.S.” marked canvas muzzle cover and a very good unmarked green canvas sling with brass and steel fittings. It also includes an period American service canvas rifle bag. Altogether, this is a highly complete Smith-Corona rifle that most likely left the Army through the CMP programe in typically fine condition. A worthwhile consideration for any military collector or shooter ready to step up as next “Keeper.“
Stock No’ F 1216 – FAC required
£ 1950.
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