Smith Corona M1903a3 Serial Numbers and Production Month/Year

[pcke2000]

Any member knows where I can find a correct SC 1903A3 serial number/production month table (preferably online)? I am checking a rifle with s/n 4748XXX. I did online research but got conflicting info. For example, according to National Park Service and Oldguns.net, this rifle was made in 1944, while the Month-end serial number table complied by William Hansen showed it was made in Sep 1943. I am very confused which one is correct.

The barrel on the rifle was labeled as SC 7-43, is it period correct?

Thanks.

[Nehalem Man]

The SC 7-43 is when the barrel was proofed, not when the rifle was assembled. A September '43 production date would be about right but it could also be early 1944. Smith-Corona wrapped up production of the 03-A3 in mid February 1944 and Remington followed at the end of February.

[ArtPahl]

The Poyer book suggests Sept., 1943. Of course, the Poyer book gets little respect.

[JGaynor]

Of the sources you cited I would suggest that Bll Hansen is the most reliable.