Smith Corona 03A3

[DCF]

I recently bought a Smith Corona 03A3 with bayonet. The seller claims that the rifle was from his dad in the National Guard back in the 70's. When his dad retired, his dad bought the rifle from the National Guard. His dad used it for hunting for awhile but changed rifle and the 03A3 has been in the safe ever since. I took some photos and I like to get some opinions to see if this is truly an original rifle with correct parts. Thanks

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/shwong3000/slideshow/Smith%20Corona%2003A3

[highpower]

I would love to see some pictures of your rifle. However, when I click on your link, all I get is directed to a mobile photobucket page that wants me to sign up for photobucket. Try using their service that allows you to post direct links to your photos.

[emcon5]

Pictures work fine for me (and I do not have a photobucket account, nor did it ask me to create one). Looks like a nice rifle.

I don't buy the story of the National Guard still using 1903s in the 70s, unless he was on a drill team or something. There were lots of newer stuff in the military inventory they would have issued.

What is he asking?

[Milsurp Collector]

What is he asking?

The OP said that he "recently bought" the rifle, so he already has it.

Everything shown in the pictures looks OK although shots of the buttplate cross-hatching and the stock cutout for the lower band spring would help. The OG marking on the stock indicates it went through Ogden Arsenal but that doesn't mean it was rebuilt. Many 03-A3's were little-used during World War II and were just inspected and stored without rebuilding.

[highpower]

Odd....all I get is a page that wants me to sign on/sign up to PB. Oh well, I guess I just won't get to see it.

[bigbossman]

Odd....all I get is a page that wants me to sign on/sign up to PB. Oh well, I guess I just won't get to see it.

Allow me:

[bigbossman]

[Mustang]

Here's what you need to look for...

The front of the band spring cut out should be rounded


rather than squared


There should be inspection stamps, including a diamond shape one forward of the trigger guard.




The proof "P" should be in a circle which is 1/2" in diameter (slightly larger than the Remington)



Should have the larger cross hatching that looks like this


Rather than this


Whatever you find, it is a very nice looking 03A3

[Enfield47]

That's a nice looking 03, congrats.

[pro-nra]

Nice late SC. Is there a P on the underside of the barrel? Reason I ask is my good friend Vern noticed that there is no proof punch mark on the flaming bomb of the barrel to indicate proofed fired.

[DCF]

I've attached more photos.

pro-nra, there is a P on the underside of the barrel. But I didn't take a photo of it yet.

[pro-nra]

That is definitely an SC stock and but plate. Strange it has a proof mark on the underside of the barrel yet not punched marked on the flaming bomb. Congratulation looks really nice.

[Jeff L]

Looks looks a nice one. I'd like to get an SC at some point.

[marysdad]

Looks right to me. Very nice example!

[SVT-40]

The sling and stacking swivel screws have been replaced with some non military screws, and the stacking swivel has been broken off...Other than those two things it looks original. It should be easy to find the original parts.