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Greetings everyone. I'm a Garand owner and recently decided it needed a mate to share the stash of .30-06 ammo I've been stockpiling. Since I wanted a shooter, I decided to go with the 03 A3. Yesterday I picked up a very nice Smith Corona. Barrel date appears to match the Serial # build, but I'm not sure if the stock is original so I would appreciate some feedback...
Thanks!
I would guess this rifle has recently been re-parkerized. Bolt is reparked and it matches the receiver. Stock is Remington(?), not sure. 6 groove barrel? Looks clean.
4 groove barrel (MW=1). Bore is bright and shiny...
i don't know much about these guns whats the little cartoon looking bomb with flame on barrel? Someone educate me please.
I believe that means it has been proof tested?Anyone?
The "cartoon-looking bomb" is a "flaming grenade" - the symbol of the Ordnance Department.
I believe the stock is a Smith Corona.
Lol cool thanks.
Hey Rick,Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick the Librarian
Always thought that stamping was a flaming shell? Educate me please.
Lancebear
Nope - a "flaming grenade", which was used during the Revolutionary period. I can't give you a specific reason why they used it. Just as an aside, the "ordnance wheel" seen on late M1903s and M1 Garands and other rifles, is actually a "gunner's belt", not a "wheel".
seanl,
To answer your question, I believe with the lack of an 'RA' and the use of pins, your stock is probably an original SC stock. It's been through a rebuild though.
Will you take a photo of the barrel band inlet, buttplate, bottom of trigger guard, and see what's stamped on top of the bolt handle?
a little OT info on the "shell and flame", which dates back to 1832 by this source, and the crossed cannons, circa 1834. :)
U.S. Army Branches (Insignia and Plaques) > Ordnance Corps
OK, here are some more detailed pics...
There is nothing stamped or in writing on the bolt as far as I can see..
seanl,
It's been through an arsenal rebuild and all the blued parts have been parked, as was normal. (It looks as though a couple of parts may have a newer re-park)
It has a Remington butt plate, and an SC trigger guard that's been parked.
Refer to the photos 'Calfed' just posted of his original SC.
Check for the rounded contour in his photo of his barrel band inlet. If yours is rounded like his photo, then your stock is an original SC. (Remington stocks had a square cut on the right side of the inlet cut)
New Smith Corona 03A3 - Page 2 - Military Surplus Collectors Forums
Here's a link to see the blued parts on original 03A3's that I put in the 'stickies' for ID purpose of the blued vs parked parts-
Remington 1903A3 (displaying original configuration and finish) - Military Surplus Collectors Forums
It looks like you found a very nice arsenal 03A3 in good shape! :thup:
Have you fired yours yet? I think you'll be happily surprised how accurate these rifles are, and it should be a great shooter if the barrel is in good condition. I have an arsenal rebuilt A3 and it's my favorite rifle of all to shoot.
Like Steve said, I think the whole thing has had a recent park job. Everything I've seen parked after arsenal overhaul looks green. Yuuggh!:thdown: Maybe somebody didn't like the green either and had it redone.
Your parked rifle looks great!
I've got a SC buttplate if your interested. Only thing is its not parked like the rest of your rifle! Looks like the one on there is.
Thanks for all the great info. I had a choice of 4 A3s and tried to chose the one that was most original and in the best condition. It wasn't cheap, but I think I got a fair deal.
I haven't fired it yet...I bought it last Sunday and it's not looking like I'll get to the range this weekend either, so no range report for a week or so.
I have plenty of Greek HXP ammo and I'll bring both the A3 and my beloved Garand (5.3m Springfield all original except for a Boyd's stock.)
seanl,
You'll probably throw your Garand in the river after you shoot your new 1903A3. ;)
Honestly, I have a (low mileage) 1943 Winchester Garand with a great barrel, etc, and it's a very good rifle. (Another older Garand, I won't count)
I'm not an expert shooter at all, but grew up shooting, and I can get much smaller groups consistantly with both of my 03A3's at 100 yards using their sights and my 51 year old eyes, than I can do at with my Garands.
Looking forward to range report!
OK, I've replaced the Remington buttplate with a new, correct 'large square' SC buttplate for $20 (thanks Sarco!).
I have been out to the range twice in the past month, I can't believe how fun this SC is to shoot! She's definitely a great shooter, much better than I am. I'm going to bring the Garand with me next time so I can shoot them back to back for comparison's sake.
Thanks everyone for your info and insights.