6 Groove barrels on Late Production Smith Corona M1903A3

[Bearcat132]

I made a mistake and initially posted this thread in the Lee Enfield Knowledge section anyway here it is in the correct forum.

I have always read from the experts that the Smith Coronas had 6 groove barrels in the very first months of production and only 5000 or so. Now there is a seller claiming to have a 6 groove barreled Smith Corona for sale with a serial number 4800817 with a SC 10-43 date on the barrel. Still in the surplus box and paper from when it was purchased from the NRA and shipped from Raritan Arsenal in 1961. It has only the original cartouches and no arsenal refurb marks on the stock . As for the 6 groove barrel I thought this was not possible according to the experts. I have asked the seller to provide a bore picture to confirm this claim, but the funny thing is I own one with the same story but different shipping year that is only 34 serial numbers from the one he has for sale and I thought I counted 6 grooves in my SC 10-43 barrel which I initially dismissed I will post the link below. Either he is wrong or there were more 6 groove barrels floating around. I want to hear from the experts on this because if it is true it will add another footnote to the Smith Corona M1903A3 lore.

Smith Corona 1903A3 DCM 6 groove 10-43 bbl 1944 : Curios & Relics at GunBroker.com

Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

I suppose there is a chance that an earlier barrel might have failed inspection and was later corrected and "passed". However, in looking at the auction, the seller provides NO pictures of the supposed 6-groove barrel. Before bidding, I'd want to see a picture, first. Correct SC barrels should have four grooves and I think it possible he might have miscounted.

[Bearcat132]

I suppose there is a chance that an earlier barrel might have failed inspection and was later corrected and "passed". However, in looking at the auction, the seller provides NO pictures of the supposed 6-groove barrel. Before bidding, I'd want to see a picture, first. Correct SC barrels should have four grooves and I think it possible he might have miscounted.

I have asked the seller to post a picture of the bore and as of this post he has not gotten back with me. I also noticed that the bolt sleeve appeared to be Remington or Remington styled. I am fairly new to M1903A3's but have noticed through these forums and constant watch of internet sales and the expertise of a poster such as yourself that a 6 groove barrel could be a possibility. I have also noticed in my limited research that a good number of late production Smith Corona M1903A3 were acquired through NRA and CMP sales throughout the fifties and sixties and a good deal were in pristine unissued condition the most I have seen appear to be beyond Serial Number 4,700,000, could Smith Corona have done what so many contractors had done by using up all excess or floor sweepings to built their final A3's. Well anyway I am eagerly awaiting the photographic proof of a late issue 6 groove barrel. I will keep this forum posted.

[Rick the Librarian]

I checked with a source I trust and he said that 6-groove barrels did "trickle through" and the barrel in question may be six groove, although very very few are usually seen after mid-1943.

[Bearcat132]

I checked with a source I trust and he said that 6-groove barrels did "trickle through" and the barrel in question may be six groove, although very very few are usually seen after mid-1943.

For your information the listing ended with someone paying $1400.00 for the "alleged" 6-groove barrel . The seller never answered my inquiries on the 6-groove question .

Smith Corona 1903A3 DCM 6 groove 10-43 bbl 1944 : Curios & Relics at GunBroker.com

[Rick the Librarian]

Before plunking down $1400 I would have wanted to see a photo of the bore. I think you were wise to not proceed.