"Mostly" Original Smith Corona '03-A3?

[miketuite]

I've been doing some research into a Smith Corona M1903-A3 that's been in my closet for some time. As a reference, I'm using Joe Poyer's "The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle And Its Variations." I don't know how well-regarded he is as a source of info.

Without getting into the details, I believe that, with the exception of two parts, all are or could be SC parts. All marked parts are SC, and the others are unmarked which, I gather, is not unusual for SC. There are no Remington-marked parts except as noted below.

The two exceptions are the bolt, which is '03 Rock Island and the trigger guard and plate which are from a Remington '03-A4. I have a couple of questions with regard to putting a value on the rifle:

1. Am I correct in believing those parts could not be original to the rifle?
2. Would it add significant value if I were to replace the bolt and trigger guard with SC parts?
3. Would the rifle bring any price premium as it is versus a mutt?

The rifle is in very good + condition. There is no evidence it's been refinished or rebuilt.

Thank you for your help. I appreciate it.

Mike

Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

1. What leads you to believe the bolt is a Rock Island? Markings?

2. trigger guards for M1903A4s are identical to those for M1903A3s - where did you hear there was a difference?

Joe Poyer's book does have a number of errors.

[miketuite]

Rick,

1. The bolt is marked with a punch mark on the bottom of the bolt handle root which Poyer says is Rock Island's mark. Also, the bolt body shows no narrowing around the the safety lug which, according to Poyer, make it an '03 bolt, not an '03-A3. And the cocking piece know is the '03 pattern.


2. The trigger guard has a "pad" (sheet metal folded into an inverted U) between the front of the magazine box and the front guard screw hole. Poyer says this is a Remington '03-A4 design.


I'm hoping these are a couple of Poyer's errors, but I'm not holding my breath. I'll be anxious for your thoughts.

Thanks,

Mike

[supercub]

SC used padded trigger guards as well as Remington. Look at the relief cut on the their side of the front trigger guard hole. Curved is SC, straight across its Rem.
Bolt does looks like an early straight handle 1903.

[miketuite]

It's curved! It's curved! Supercub, you just made my day. I guess it is one of Poyer's errors. A question: where did you get that info? Clearly, I need a better reference source.

Another question: Would replacing the bolt with a correct one add significantly to the value of the rifle?

Thanks,

Mike

[martin08]

Even though the bolt is "curved" downward, as in bent, it is still what is called an early straight handled bolt. The late-1903 and all 1903-A3 bolt handles were also curved downward, but are 'swept' rearward, as well.

[Allen Humphrey]

Another question: Would replacing the bolt with a correct one add significantly to the value of the rifle?

Thanks,

Mike

Significantly? Probably not. In a marketplace with quite a few quality 1903A3's, you would need to replace that single heat treat bolt just to avoid getting passed over. In other words, having the completely wrong bolt will hold you below value while the correct bolt will simply keep the sell price commensurate with the overall condition and configuration of the rifle. Only my opinion.

[supercub]

William S Brophy is probably one of the best. There are others that touch on these but for your purpose it would be far better than Poyer.

---------- Post added at 05:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:32 PM ----------

Regarding the bolt, it would add the cost of the bolt to the value. Might make it sell a
bit faster when you go to sell it.

[miketuite]

Thanks, supercub, I'll look for it.

Mike

[Rick the Librarian]

I tend to take Poyer with a grain of salt. I agree about the trigger guard - it is a "late" characteristic, not a M1903A4.

The punch mark on the bolt as a RIA is news to me.