DCM Smith Corona 1903A3

[c&rfan]

My Dad acquired this Smith Corona 03A3 from the DCM through the NRA back in 1958.

FJA is the stamp of Col. Frank J. Atwood, the commander of the Rochester Ordnance District and indicates that the rifle was accepted by the Ordnance Department for service.

Next to it is crossed cannon barrels and the circled belt of the Ordnance Small Arms Command in WW II.

The symbols stamped on the bottom of the stock in front of the trigger guard are sub-inspector markings that were used at various stages of manufacture to indicate that the rifle (or parts) had passed a particular inspection. A number in a diamond usually indicates the stock is a Smith Corona.

It has a Remington trigger guard.



The "circle P" shows the rifle passed a final (P)roof firing test before acceptance.

Overall, the wood and metal is in great shape with exception of this arsenal repair that used some type of wood filler.

The barrel (not shown) is Smith Corona with a 11-43 date and the reference material I have indicates that the serial number is within the range of units produced in December 1943.

The butt plate (not shown) is smooth and not patterned as a SC butt plate should be and came from a Springfield or Remington 1903.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Chuckindenver]

nice rifle, looks like a its been around a bit, mix of parts from being rebuilt.
ill bet it shoots well.

[JimF in CT]

I'm thinking the wood filler in the forend made it fit the "unserviceable" catagory.
Back in 1957, my father bought a "unserviceable" '03A3 also.
It was a brand new Remington!
How was it "unserviceable"?
Some armorer was too lazy to re-install the stacking swivel!!!
Why was the swivel ever removed??
Who knows . . . but for about .35 cents, Dad installed a new swivel!! --Jim

[Rick the Librarian]

As I recall, I think the term meant the rifle had not been checked over. I've heard of several other received from DCM during that period in similar shape.

[c&rfan]

As I recall, I think the term meant the rifle had not been checked over. I've heard of several other received from DCM during that period in similar shape.

This SC and a Remington 03A3 I obtained later from DCM came as "unservicable" documented on the invoice. A poster on another forum stated that the term had nothing to do with the physical condition of the rifle - according to him the ordnance term "unservicable" meant that no spare or replacement parts were in stock to "service" the arm.

Also if you look closely at the last paragraph in the invoice that came with the SC, you will see the term unservicable is used in the cya statement saying the piece is "sold as is without recourse to the U.S. Government or the Ordnance Corps. Weapon should be inspected and adjustments or repairs made prior to use." Sounds like "lawyer talk" and not "armorer talk" to me.

[c&rfan]

I'm thinking the wood filler in the forend made it fit the "unserviceable" catagory.
Back in 1957, my father bought a "unserviceable" '03A3 also.
It was a brand new Remington!
How was it "unserviceable"?
Some armorer was too lazy to re-install the stacking swivel!!!
Why was the swivel ever removed??
Who knows . . . but for about .35 cents, Dad installed a new swivel!! --Jim

The only "unserviceable" item we found on this SC was that a plastic cleaning kit was jammed in the butstock and we had to remove the buttplate to get it out.

[Johnny Peppers]

A few of the 1911A1 pistols sold through the DCM in the early 1960's were new in the original shipping box Remington Rand's. The DD 1149 listed them as "unserviceable". They probably had to be declared unserviceable before they could be sold as surplus, as the 1911A1 was still the current sidearm of the U.S. Military at that time.

[0311Shooter]

Wow, Unit Cost price - $15.00. You can't get the stacking swivel for that price today.

[Michael03a3]

C&R Fan, If you'd like to compare, here are some pics of a similar DCM purchase. (check both before and after pics) The DCM box says "UNS. SUITABLE FOR SALE"

1903a3 BEFORE pictures by Selmalinapilchard - Photobucket

[c&rfan]

Michael03A3,

Thanks for the photos - they brought back memories of when Dad let me clean the Smith Corona. Is your rifle a SC or Remington? Did it have a cleaning kit in the butt trap? You have a beauty there!