U.S. Model 1903 03-A3 by Smith-Corona……….(F 884) SOLD

A fine example of a late Model 1903-A3 WW2 US Bolt Action Rifle

The Smith-Corona US rifles are thought to be slightly better made weapons but, from the examples I have seen, this would be a hard point to prove.  However, ultimately, a lesser number were produced. So, as surviving examples are less easy to find – especially in this kind of condition, this becomes 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 straight grip stock the rifle measures 43.1/2″ 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 would put production within the last month of production for these rifles, namely February 1944.  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.  It 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.  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 is a letter “A” fitment.  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, showing the reason for its name – American Black Walnut which is pleasing on the eye.  The stock has the two later pins across which match practises by the time this rifle was produced.  On the LHS of the wrist are correct, just visible, stock cartouches, one is the boxed initials of F.J.A. one of the principle inspectors of the period and also less clear the crossed cannons.  On the underside of the stock it is also possible to see the multiple, in-house factory inspectors marks placed during manufacture and the circled final proof mark behind the trigger guard.  The barrel looks to be the original Smith-Corona fitment with the information behind the front sight reading; “S. C. / flaming bomb motif / 7 – 43″  Bayonet attachment stud under nose-cap – also pressed steel.  The arm stub is also clearly marked with the struck cross (X) mark which also verifies Smith-Corona production.

This rifle has all the information to its lineage in clear sight and is a very good example to boot.  The four groove bore also adds to its appeal for the applied user.  A great opportunity to access a tangible piece of second world war history and experience what it really felt like to tune yourself into the tool that might have kept you alive – back in the day ……

Please ask for F  884

£ 1430.  (SOLD)

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