First 1903a3

G'day, I've recently helped out a 1903A3 that was in need of a home (as one must), however these rifles are not all that common in my part of the world so I've been trying to learn a bit about it as I'm sure to get a few queries. I figure the best place to come with what I think I know is to the ever helpful experts here.

I believe this rifle to be a re-build or restoration as It's a Smith Corona Receiver which from the serial I believe to be '43, whereas the barrel is clearly marked as a '44 Remington and probably an after service life replacement as it is immaculate inside. All other metal fittings that are marked are marked 'R' (Sling swivel, Stacking Swivel, nose cap, front sight), I could of course be wrong but I think the butt plate is also Remington.

The Bolt is marked R on the extractor and arm, I'm a little unsure on the cocking piece, but I believe it Remington also, the cut-off is also marked 'R'

From what I've read the stock is an earlier pinned type before recoil bolts were added to assist with grenade launching and looks to have a proofing mark behind the trigger guard, and a 'O' like marking in front of the trigger guard, it's got an 'OG' marking on the side which I've been told is an arsenal marking and it has no marking under the cut-off.
It has a few holes in the side in front of the barrel band and under the comb where it looks to me like someone has once has side mount sling fitted.

One question I do have though, is the Cut-off lever seems to be leaving a fair bit of wear on the receiver finish, is this considered normal, or is it due to the mixed parts or perhaps an incorrect assembly by a previous owner?

Thanks you all for your time

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Originally Posted by Oysters

the Cut-off lever seems to be leaving a fair bit of wear on the receiver finish

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Nice rifle. A parts queen as you said, but beautiful nonetheless. All my 1903s show that line of wear from the magazine cutoff. The wear on mine is dingy, whereas yours seems bright. could just be the lighting, or maybe yours was worked recently. Mine don't get worked too often as I usually single feed when shooting them. Is it stiff to move? could someone have replaced the spring with one that is too stiff?

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Originally Posted by ssgross

could someone have replaced the spring with one that is too stiff?

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I too was going to suggest it might be too tight, at least was...

It's a little stiff but doesn't seem overly so, though I am unfamiliar with these riffles, I haven't got around to pulling it apart as of yet, is there a way to loosen the tension on it? Other wise ill source another spring and see if that makes a difference, appreciate the reply's

Could just be that the bore that little plunger works in is sticky from dried oil or whatever causing it to drag when the switch is being moved. The bottom of the bore could also have build up in it.
If there is dried cosmo/ grease hardened in between the coils of the spring it may reduce its ability to compress or float over the reciever surface.
That little plunger usually has a very small teat that could also be flattened/slightly worn which makes for greater resistance. Coils bound, etc.
The spring that goes over the plunger is unique and small /strong so it very well may have been lost-replaced if someone had it apart.