How Many Barrel Grooves ?

[leecorky]

I still am a "Greenhorn" when it comes to 03 A3s. I know that both Remington and Smith Corona made 03 A3s, but I am confused about what rifles had how many barrel grooves. I have heard of 2 groove barrels, 4 grooves and even 6 grooves. Approximately when were these different configurations used by the two manufacturers ? Why did they change the number of grooves ? Did any of the barrels provide a higher degree of accuracy ? Thanks

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[John Beard]

I still am a "Greenhorn" when it comes to 03 A3s. I know that both Remington and Smith Corona made 03 A3s, but I am confused about what rifles had how many barrel grooves. I have heard of 2 groove barrels, 4 grooves and even 6 grooves. Approximately when were these different configurations used by the two manufacturers ? Why did they change the number of grooves ? Did any of the barrels provide a higher degree of accuracy ? Thanks

Remington made mostly 4-groove barrels through about 5-43. Remington made mostly 2-groove barrels after 5-43.

Smith-Corona made mostly 6-groove barrels through about 2-43. Smith-Corona made mostly 4-groove barrels after 2-43. Smith-Corona made a very few (rare) 2-groove barrels in 11-43.

I used the word "mostly" in the preceding sentences because plenty of exceptions exist.

The number of grooves was changed to increase production through-put and reduce cost.

I am not aware of any substantial accuracy difference between any of the preceding barrels. Cast-bullet shooters have reported some improvement with 2-groove barrels.

Hope this helps.

J.B.