Smith Corona 1903A3 new purchase

[Aragorn243]

Picked up my first 1903A3 yesterday. It is a Smith Corona with a serial number from December 1943 and a barrel Smith Corona 4 groove barrel dated 9-43. Would this be original or a replacement? Bore is bright and shiny, strong grooves. Everything with the exception of the front sight hood and some of the small stock metal parts are blued. Most of the stock metal is also blued but the rear sling swivel appears to be painted black. The front sight hood is parkerized. Stock is a replacement and is a Remington based on the small sized circle P. It does not have a lot of markings on it and appears to have been refinished during the arsenal refurb. Butt stock is stamped with the final four of the serial number over top of an earlier number. There is a distinct X in front of the magazine on the base of the stock and a K near the rear sling swivel. The bolt and some of the small parts are also Remington. Bolt has been electropenciled with the last four of the serial number on the top flat of the bolt handle.

No rust anywhere, butt plate looks nearly new. Stock has lots of dings but cleaned up nice. All parts appear to be appropriate for an A3 but I know very little about them. Found it at Cabela's and with my points and a coupon I was out of pocket $174.00.

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