WW2 U.S. Smith-Corona 1944 Model 03-A3 Caliber 30-06 Rifle (Original)
| Serial Number: | 4815350 |
|---|
WW2 Original U.S. Smith-Corona 1944 Model 03-A3 Caliber 30-06 Rifle
SKU: US MODEL 1903-A3 SMITH-CORONA 1944 RIFLE
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: L.C. Smith-Corona Typewriter Co. (Syracuse, NY).
Date Manufactured: 1944
Model: 03-A3 (M1903A3)
Serial Number: 4815350
Caliber: 30-06
Magazine: Five-round magazine
Barrel Length: 24 inch round
Total Length: 36 in
Weight: 8.5 pounds
Bore Condition: 9.5/10
Action: Bolt
Effective firing range: 300-600 Yards
Stock: Walnut
Sling: Leather
Condition: 98% Excellent
Mechanically: Excellent
Price: $1,995.00
Seller Type: Classification: C&R / FFL
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: 1300
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This Original Smith-Corona M1903A3 is a WW2-era U.S. bolt-action rifle, serial number 4815350, rifle was manufactured in 1944. Smith-Corona produced M1903A3 rifles during World War II, specifically in two main serial number blocks, with the second block (4,708,000–4,992,000) spanning late 1943 to early 1944. Chambered in .30-06, this rifle is characterized by stamped parts, a rear peep sight, "SC" marked barrel, making It a highly desirable, durable, and accurate war-time collectible. This stock is in excellent condition and Marked/Stamped FJA , RA.
Key Information Regarding Serial Number 4815350
- Manufacturer: L.C. Smith-Corona Typewriter Co. (Syracuse, NY).
- Production Date: 1944.
- Model: U.S. M1903A3 (Bolt-Action, .30-06 caliber).
- Serial Number Range: This fits within the 4,708,000–4,992,000 range, which is designated for 1944 production.
Characteristics of a 1944 Smith-Corona M1903A3
- Production Context: By 1944, Smith-Corona was producing these rifles to supplement the M1 Garand, often used by non-combat or specialized troops, though they saw front-line service as well.
- Components: Smith-Corona M1903A3s are known for using stamped metal parts (like the trigger guard and floor plate) rather than the milled components of earlier 1903 rifles.
- Barrel Markings: Original barrels were often manufactured by High Standard or Smith-Corona and typically feature a "S C" stamp, a "flaming bomb" ordnance insignia, and a date of production (e.g., 1-44 or 2-44 for 1944).
- Stock Markings: The "FJA" (Frank J. Atwood) stamp in a box on the left side is the correct arsenal inspector stamp. "RA" indicates the stock was manufactured or supplied by Remington Arms, which is common as contractors often shared parts during the war.
- Stocks: Late-production stocks were often less refined, sometimes exhibiting "chatter marks" from manufacturing, and generally lacked the finger grooves of earlier 1903 models.
Historical Significance
Smith-Corona shifted from producing typewriters to rifles in October 1942 and manufactured 234,580 M1903A3s before their contract was cancelled in February 1944. A 1944-dated, high-serial number rifle represents the final, rushed production phase of these reliable bolt-action rifles, which were essential during World War II due to initial shortages of the M1 Garand.
