Looking at another A3...help with numbers

OK, while trying to sort out the stock problem on my 1903, I am still looking to buy an A3.

A local shop has four to choose from, and I picked what I think is the best one, put a "hold" on it, to allow me to post the following numbers in case someone can help discover any problems with this one that might be indicated by:

Smith Corona: ser # 4819680, blued receiver, straight stock wrist style
barrel muzzle marking: S C
Left side of butt stock, stamped near wrist: FJA
Left side of butt stock, stamped with: (looks like a circle around crossed cannons?)
bottom of butt stock, near trigger gaurd stamped with P (in a circle)_
There are some other stamped marks on bottom of middle stock, just in front of magazine, but they have been sanded, and very difficult to read.

Do these markings shed any light or cautions?



Thanks :thup:

So far so good -- look at the recess for the lower band spring (the flat piece of metal ahead of the lower band on the right side). Does the end of the recess near the muzzle have a rounded end of is it squared off? If rounded, the stock is an SC, Also look on the top of the bolt and the bottom of the bolt handle. Is there an X (usually poorly stamped) on the top of the bolt handle? If not, is there an "R" stamp on the bottom of the bolt handle? An R-marked bolt is a Remington-made replacement.

The receiver should be parked, not blued. Take another look.

Mike's correct. Original A3's have a mix of blued and parked parts, but the receiver should be parked (sometimes a 'greenish' hue that can be a little shiny but not blued)
Take a look at this rifle for a quick reference to get an idea of how the original finishes would be.

Remington 1903A3 (displaying original configuration and finish)

HTH
~ Harlan

Here are photos of the Smith Corona A3 that I picked up today. And, unless this is the blackest/bluest parkerizing I've ever seen, the receiver is blued! Note, the rear site assembly is parkerized, and in person there is a MARKED difference in the color and texture of the finish of the rear sight assembly and the rest of the receiver.

The finish on the stock is very dark, and quite tacky. I wonder if cleaning will lighten it up. Tonight when I get home to the shop, where I have a magnifying glass and better light, I'll look it over very closely, and clean & inspect the bore. More to follow...:thup:

In the pic I can see the tang looking very dark blue/black. The rest of the receiver looks parked (in the pic). Is that color over the whole thing? It looks like a typical rebuild, some parts are now parked which were originally blued. No big deal.

The bolt looks like a replacement (what are the markings?), the sleeve is SC, but refinished, as is the cocking piece.

The stock is probably a little greasy. You can clean it up with a soft bristle brush and some warm soapy water. Let it dry and give it a couple coats of BLO.

Nothing wrong with what you have. SC's are known to be good shooters. What is the date on the barrel?

looks like just worn manganes phosphate,,,{parkerized} SC are darker then Remingtons... clean it, shoot,,,and enjoy.