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Model 03-A3 - 30-06 Serial 4770306 Smith Corona- 1943 Production
Guns International #: 101598955 Seller's Inventory #: 03a3 Rifle 1943 Smith Corona Production
Category: Military Rifles - Antique - Military Rifles - US
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: As-issued-collector
Member Since: 12/19/20
First Name: James
Last Name: Christman
State: Florida
Zip: 33708
Country: United States
Phone: (727) 560-8560
Number of Active Listings: 6
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Returns may be possible? If there is a specific concern / reason expressed and documented PRIOR to purchase.
Payment Types Accepted: Money Order --Cashiers Check -- Personal Check Up to 5 to 10 days after receipt).
Description:
U.S. Model 03 A3 Rifle
Serial #: 4770306 Ogden Arsenal Rebuild
Description:
Based on serial number archives this rifle was produced in September 1943. So it was most certainly issued in the middle of WW 2. I purchased this rifle from an individual in the late 60’s and had it bench “test” fired at an indoor range (150 feet) for safety and accuracy. It functioned flawlessly and the grouping was very accurate. Based on the OG stamp on the wood, this is a (SC), rifle, that went through a Ogden Arsenal refurbish. Which was not unusual for a rifle that was issued in August 1943. Photos pretty much show that the overall condition is very good. The bore is good to very good and I remember being told that the rifling is 6 groves? The wood has some expected minor dents, scratches and “bruising”. The metal retains most of the original blue finish. There is some build-up of oil and lubricants in the tight areas, per disclaimer below.
Cartouches & Metal Stampings.
U.S Smith-Corona – Model A3-03 – 4770306 is very clearly marked on the receiver. Behind the front site there is an SC followed by a flame-bomb and 8 43 stamping. The bolt has an “X” and a small “2” stamped. On the left side of the stock there is a clear FJA (Col. Frank J. Atwood) and cross cannon inspection cartouche. Followed by is an “OG” Ogden Arsenal Refurbishing mark near the pistol grip. The ½ inch Circle P proof mark with a tinny “k” at the top right, is crisp. In the front of the magazine box on the bottom of the stock there are 4 very clear markings, stacked in a 2 by2 “boxed arrangement”: Top left: There is an “8” in a triangle: Bottom left: There is a “2” in a box: Top Right: There is a “9” in a circle: Bottom right: There is an “8” in a Diamond. I cannot find any non-SC markings, if you think any of the above is inaccurate? Please let know. I really want to get this description correct.
Background:
In early in 1942 Smith-Corona was contracted to produce the older M1903 Rifles. But when Smith-Corona was in the process of procuring M1903 manufacturing equipment, the original contract was modified to produce M1903-A3 rifles. The nearby High Standard Manufacturing Company was contracted to produce all Smith-Corona barrels to be marked them SC, with the month and year of production. A little later on, the original order for 100,000 rifles was increased to 380,000. The first “pilot” batch of rifles was completed in October 1942, and mass production began in November and by December, Smith-Corona had manufactured 5,540 ’03-A3s.
A total of 1,055,714 M1903-A3 rifles were accepted by the Ordinance Department during WW2. This total includes 348,085 M1903-A-3’s that were modified 03 Rifles, remanufactured by Remington. Smith-Corona produced just 234,580 or about 22% of the total production.
Applies to all listings:
In 2002, the entire collection was professionally removed from wood and inspected for condition. Then cleaned, lubricated and reassembled. By a very experienced and professional Gunsmith. All received a clean bill of health from a condition stand point. Better than appropriate for the age. They have only been lightly cleaned and oiled by me. The entire collection has never out of a temperature-humidity, controlled environment, since the purchased date. Most post 1920 guns have been fired by a qualified gunsmith or range master. For reliability, functionality and safety confirmation. I have fired a few. Limited to a total of <200 rounds. Most rifles have some oil build-up in the tight places to reduce ware and maintain as much originality as possible.
Most firearms that are equipped for them have as-issued correct Bayonet and Scabbards, in very good condition. And most have (sure looks like) as issued: Slings, clips and / or removable magazines. And some higher Mag loads, are available. All have the expected stampings and / or cartouches. Except where noted in the individual listings. There are no reproduction replacement parts in this collection! Some Government Arsenal Reconditions are included. And there are clear markings of this reconditioning. Again, per individual listing. Call for details.
All firearms are offered as collector’s items only. Seller does not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any firearm. A thorough inspection. should be conducted by an experienced, reliable gunsmith / rangemaster Before even considering firing any gun.
Specific descriptions related to a Firearm. Are based on knowledge, at the time of the listing. No Firearm is intentionally misrepresented. They are described as accurately and to the best of my ability, as possible. Please make your own determinations.
A 3rd party, totally independent gunsmith. Is available for consultation / condition confirmation. At the buyer’s expense. Or, if you have a contact in the Tampa Bay Florida area? I’ll take it to them. I am available to take phone inquiries. Between 9AM & 6 PM. Most days.
Abiding by and meeting any and all: City, state or federal regulations, regarding the purchase or owning of firearms. Or any item related to the firearm. Such as clips, magazines, bayonets or any item listed or sold with the firearm: Is the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are mechanically sound and complete, unless noted. To be clear: I am NOT warranting them as safe to fire
The Buyer must have a valid Driver’s License. And complete the Florida Individual Person: Firearm & Ammunition Transfer Disclosure Document. It only takes about 5 minutes to complete. I will only ship to an FFL License holder the they need to contact me, and provide a copy of the license. Prior to shipping.
All taxes, fees, insurance, customs and / or any other non-firearm specific regulations, related to the listing. Is the responsibility of the buyer or buyer’s representative.
Thank you for your understanding and agreement.
Price: $2,795.00
Rifle Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Manufacturer: Smith Corona
Model: US Model M1903-A3
Manufacture Date: 1943 / 44