*SOLD* 1943 Smith-Corona 1903A3 .30-06 Parkerized 24" *CLASSIC US MILITARY RIFLE*

Bryant Ridge's Analysis

In February 1942 Smith Corona, a company primarily known as a typewriter manufacturer, was contracted to produce the 1903A3 rifle. The original contract was for some 100,000 rifles. The Army’s confidence in the ability of the 1903 rifle was inherent in the following contract as the number specified was for some 380,000 rifles. However, creating the machinery and setting up production meant that the first rifles were not produced until late 1942. Finally, in December 1942, the first five thousand rifles were turned out. Smith Corona rose from nothing to making five thousand rifles a month, an important contribution to the war effort. The Smith Corona rifle is very similar to the Remington produced rifles of the same period. The 1903A3 rifle is noted for its nickel steel receiver and excellent combat sight making it the preferred combat rifle of all the Springfield rifles. The company won a well deserved reputation for quality and accuracy in their rifles. There are quite a few reports of the rifles being treasured for their reliability on the front lines.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Smith-Corona

Model: 1903A3

Serial: 4762474

Date of Manufacture: 1943 (August, 1943 Barrel Date)

Caliber: .30-06

Finish: Parkerized

Barrel Length: 24"

Optics/Sights: Hooded Front Sight, Adjustable Rear Peep Sight

Stock/Grips: Wood

Action: Bolt-Action

Markings: Standard

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