3660

Rare Documented Smith Corona Model 1903A3 National Match Rifle Pictured in Brophy's Springfield 1903

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 5,000.00 USD
Rare Documented Smith Corona Model 1903A3 National Match Rifle Pictured in Brophy's Springfield 1903
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Estimate: $2500 - 5000
Manufacturer: Smith & Corona Model: 1903-A3
This is a unique example of a U.S. Smith Corona M1903A3 rifle manufactured in 1943 and converted to National Match (NM) configuration by the Springfield Armory c. 1954. The Model 1903A3 National Match rifle is pictured and described on pages 204-205 of "THE SPRINGFIELD 1903 RIFLES" by William S. Brophy. This rifle was arsenal overhauled at Springfield Armory after WWII and has a gray, armory parkerized, finish on all components except the polished bolt. The top of the receiver is roll-stamped "U.S./SMITH-CORONA/MODEL 03-A3" above the serial number. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "S C" above the Ordnance 'Shell and Flame' insignia and the date "1-43". The polished bolt is stamped "N.S." on the top of the handle. The oil-finished, "S" straight grip walnut stock is an armory replacement that is stamped with a single, encircled, "P" proofmark behind the trigger guard and the Springfield "S.A." overhaul final inspection mark on the left side of the butt. The rifle has a Smith Corona bolt sleeve. The magazine cut-off, safety, cocking piece, stamped trigger, floor plate and un-checkered buttplate are Remington M1903A3 components and marked with the Remington "R". The barrel bands and trigger guard are standard Model 1903A3 components that were re-parkerized during overhaul. The rifle has a polished M1903 bolt and 1903 front sight base and front sight stud. The left side of the receiver has been drilled and tapped and fitted with a Redfield rear sight base and Redfield Olympic micrometer rear sight. The rifle is complete with a post war M1905 russet leather sling. The Model 1903A3 NM project an attempt by Springfield Armory to produce a low cost, expedient, replacement for the almost hand made, pre-war Model 1903/Model 1903A1 National Match rifles. The project was abandoned in favor of development of a National Match version of the M1 Garand rifle after the Springfield Armory determined that the Redfield Olympic rear sight covered the receiver clip slot and prevented rapid re-loading with stripper clips during timed fire events.
BBL: 24 In
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 30 06
Finish: parkerized
Grips:
Serial Number: 3628302
Condition:
Excellent plus to near mint. The rifle retains nearly all of the gray parkerized finish applied during overhaul with only very minor storage wear. The receiver and barrel markings are clear. The bore is bright. The stock and handguard are in excellent plus condition with sharp proof and Springfield final inspection marks. Mechanically excellent.