Just purchased 03A3 and can't wait for it to arrive

I'm new to this forum and to milsurp rifle's in general. About a year ago my local gun shop had an 03A3 on the wall, I had never seen one before but it was love at first sight. He had it priced at $1,100 and being that I had never seen one before I decided to walk away and go home and look it up so that I didn't get ripped off. I decided to go back the next day and try to negotiate the price but when I arrived it was already gone and I haven't seen one since that day. This week I decided I was tired of waiting and I turned to gunbroker to see what I could find. I found a Smith Corona that I wanted and ordered. Now the wait. I can't wait for it to get here!

At $1,100, the SC in the gunshop should have been virtually in mint, unaltered, original condition. There are many good deals on Gunbroker. Hopefully you did well on the rifle you purchased.

As soon as the rifle arrives, give it a careful examination. Put up pictures, etc. Doubtless many of the knowledgeable posters at this site will be able to help you determine just exactly what you've bough. Sincerely. BruceV.

I just got back from the range with my new to me 03a3.

It was my 1st time shooting one.
It was fun, and different.
Only had time to put about 16 rnds down range.
I used Greek surplus m2 ball.
I can see it shoots better than I'm capable of.

My daughter came with me, so spent most of the time letting her try some of my other rifles on the 50yd range, working our way down to my 22's.
It was her 1st time on a rifle range.
She's shot very informal skeet and pistol plinking with me.
Next time I go, I'll spend more time with the 03a3 on the 100 yd range.

I have a thread going on mine, just posted pix last night.
New to me 1903a3 Remington - Military Surplus Collectors Forums

Best of luck with yours.
Looking forward to hearing about your 1st time out with it.

Well it has arrived. I love it and can't wait to take it out to the range. Here are some pictures.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../08/Gun1-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../08/Gun2-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../08/Gun4-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/deleted.gif

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../08/gun7-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../08/gun8-1.jpg

wow, 1,100,00 for an A3,?
and i cant sell an correct orginal SC for 800.00
whats wrong with this ??

A nice-looking shooter, but a rebuild. The stock and bolt, at least, are replacements. I hate to tell you, but more likely a $700 rifle. If you're happy with it and it shoots well, that is all that matters. :)

Fellows - the gunshop A3 was $1100; Revals did not mention the price of the GB A3. While it it has been through rebuild, it comes with a nice C stock which will make it a whole lot more comfortable to shoot. And, it is nicely finished & looks to be free of rust, pitting & abuse. I hope it is a good shooter & Revels gets a lot of enjoyment from owning & shooting it. The SC barrels are first rate, capable of excellent accuracy.

Revals,

You have a nice rifle. I will point out, however, that the rifle appears to have a recently-made reproduction stock on it.

But, I agree with Rick the Librarian. If you're happy with it and it shoots well, that is all that matters.

Congratulations!

J.B.

which is a fair "enough" price for a nice shooter.

Sorry - missed the "transition" - thought he was still talking about the $1100 gunsho M1903. If $700, not a steal, but an OK price IMHO.

Yeah, I paid $700 for it. I knew it was a rebuild, but I was looking for a really nice condition good shooter.

In all fairness to Chuckindenver, I recently landed from GB an ALL ORIGINAL all green parked Smith Corona, including original appearing leather sling, correct stamped scant stock, for under $600.

Had Springfield, Remington, and Rock Island for awhile but was waiting for that special deal on a SC. I think I found it.

The good deals are out there. A good deal is one that makes you happy.

I guess I failed to mention that it is a CMP Rifle originally purchased in 2002. It came with certificate and documentation.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 0311Shooter

In all fairness to Chuckindenver, I recently landed from GB an ALL ORIGINAL all green parked Smith Corona, including original appearing leather sling, correct stamped scant stock, for under $600.

Had Springfield, Remington, and Rock Island for awhile but was waiting for that special deal on a SC. I think I found it.

The good deals are out there. A good deal is one that makes you happy.

---

If your Smith-Corona rifle is fitted with a scant stock, then it's not entirely all original. :o

FWIW.

J.B. :wave:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by revals

I guess I failed to mention that it is a CMP Rifle originally purchased in 2002. It came with certificate and documentation.

---

If the rifle came from the CMP in 2002, then it's a Greek rifle. Did the certificate and/or documentation state that the rifle was fitted with a "C" stock? :confused: Please advise.

Thanks!

J.B. :wave:

John, it's got those 4 stamps right in front of the triggerguard that are special to Smith Corona.

Saw this commentary on the CMP board while back.

any scant grip stock on anything but an A4 would be a replacement.
no matter what stamps are on it..
by the way.
i have a complete set of SC stock stamps...think im the only one?

Well, I'm not going to keep arguing this issue, so I guess the best thing for me to do is to go ahead and sell this ALL Original Smith Corona with the Non-Original Scant stock, with all SC markings, for $400, since I apparently got took.

Any takers?

For 400 I'll take it. PM me with the details.

not an argument..
those are known facts..not a flame on your rifle.
if its what you want, and are happy...keep it, shoot it, and enjoy.
my most favorite 1903,s are mix masters, most built by me,
peresonally, id rather have a rifle with history,, and one i can shoot.
a rebuild i can shoot over a nice safe queen anyday.
and the reason im selling the SC i have advertised, it doesnt fit with what i like, and what i want.
a scant grip though not original is correct for a rebuilt rifle, and nicer to shoot then a straight grip stock.

My last post on this subject.

I didn't ride into town on a jackazz last night. Maybe a few weeks ago, but not last night. Have seen (and own) my share of "Original" milsurps. Perhaps I may be misconstrued about the stock terminology. This stock is straight back from the receiver heel, with no "pistol grip". To me that's a scant stock.

But I would be willing to bet that THIS stock is the same stock that was assembled with the rest of the rifle. All the markings, the stampings, the boxed "FJA", all look older than being "stamped" last night.

JMNSHGDO.

FWIW:
Picture of a scant stock
(ripped it off of a Gunbroker ad)
Chuck

Thanks for that pic. Not how mine looks. This one has a longer "handgrip" area and doesn't have the little "crook" on the bottom.

I can put down my BP meds now.

ViShooter has an excellent reference website. This picture posted there shows the four common 1903 stock styles. http://vishooter.home.att.net/m1903/1903_stockpic.jpg