I pulled this baby out when I was going through my Krags for bolt measurements. Thought I'd share it with the group and ask for some comments on the valuation based on what it is. This is a very early Smith Corona 1903A3 made in November 1942. The SC serial numbers started October 1942 with 3,608,000 when 20 rifles were made in October. This one has the barrel dated 11-42 and the serial number showing it is the 1,506th SC 1903A3 made. The barrel is 6-groove and the bore looks pristine. I see evidence of some copper fouling in the grooves so I won't say it is unused or unissued. I don't know how to determine that exactly. There were supposed to only have been 5000 6-groove barrels used in the first few months of Smith Corona manufacturing of the 1903A3s from High Standard barrels made for them until they had production geared up for the more common 4-groove barrels used starting about Feb 1943.

The rifle has the Smith Corona butt plate with the 11 squares to the inch and an unmarked rear sight which may be SC. The bolt and rest of the parts are marked "R". The stock, as far as I understand, is a SC stock. It is an arsenal update unless the rifle, being such an early production, used Remington parts when originally made at Smith Corona. I understand they did use Remington parts until they had production of all of their parts at their factory. I'd like to know. I'm not sure why an apparently unused rifle would need upgrading in the first place.

So, please let me know what you think. Is the rear sight SC if it is not stamped "R"? Is this original with the Remington parts or from an arsenal rebuild?

I'm also very confused about the "RA-P" stamping. I know the Frank Atwood inspector stamp but some references say the "RA" stands for Remington Arms and some say Raritan Arsenal where the rifle was rebuilt and reproofed (RA-P). But, again, why would an apparently unused rifle need to be rebuilt? Very confusing.

Thanks for the help!

That's quite a nice '03-A3, Whig.

FWIW - All the metal looks rather uniform in finish to me.

It does not seem to have the odd variety of blued parts, and different shades of 'parkerized' finish on component parts, that is seen on '03-A3 rifles with 'original finish' .

I suspect it went through Raritan for 'refurbishing'.

Thanks. Since it has officially been through a rebuild, I have no interest in trying to make it "correct" by getting SC parts. This is how it was and will remain. Looks great and I'll be shooting it at some point to test its accuracy out!

Here’s my 6 groove SC 03-A3 with CMP certificate and all original parts. I don’t think it’s been through a rebuild and the barrel is 1-43. I don’t have better pics right now, but can post per requests later. I’d love to hear thoughts or input as this is new to me.

Last set

I literally got it last night so I haven’t had the opportunity. It was a local private sale. I thought it was a good deal so I bought it.

It does seem odd that yours is in pristine shape and yet went through an arsenal rebuild. While the one I bought is very clean and nice, I believe it has been used and yet it escaped a rebuild during its life.

Sounds great but 3/4 inch groups at 300 yards is unheard of. Must have been a typo. That's like one fifth MOA from open sights. I'd like that on my Robar SR90 sniper rifle. With an 8x80 March Optics scope, I can regularly get 1/2 MOA at 500 yards with 175 grain .308 reloads in my SR90.

Maybe you meant 3/4 inch groups at 100 yards.

I'm anxious to get out and try the 03A3 out to see what I can do. I have gotten down to 1 MOA a few times with my Krag rifle at 200 yards. That's pushing it for me but it's a 120 year old Mil Surp rifle.  Still working on the best reloads for the old treasure.

I like that scant grip stock!