New guy with New (to me) Smith Corona

[+P+]

I just joined this forum, but I have been collecting Milsurps since I found out my wife was pregnant with my first son. He's 11 now and has been shooting his Mosin M44 since he was 8!

I recently acquired a 1903-A3 Smith Corona rifle, and I think I have a great rifle. I will give you some details, provide some pictures (or it didn't happen) and ask some questions. Thanks in advance for any help or insight you provide, and I will do the same in the future!

Details:

Markings:
Receiver - U.S., Smith-Corona, Model 03-A3, Serial# 4812285
Barrrel top near muzzle - S C/Flaming Bomb/10-43
Barrel bottom near muzzle- P
Bolt Handle - X
Safety Lug (I think) - B.P.

(Stock-Left) Boxed FJA, Something that looks like a stopwatch (Stock-Bottom) Circled P behind trigger guard, boxed 22, boxed 27, looks like a circled t,x,or 4, and looks like 2 in a half moon but could be a poorly struck circle with _2 inside all in front of trigger guard (Stock-Muzzle End) 8 or g

Condition: Everything looks very, very nice. Finishes are good, no major defects, small handling marks and only a few small dings, wood is evenly colored, missing sight hood and cleaning kit.

Has a 4 groove Barrel

I have looked at many of these guns on Google images tonight, and this is very seriously one of the nicest examples compared to what I've been looking at. It is in fine shape. I will try to get more pictures in better outdoor lighting tomorrow.

So, here are my questions:

1. What is the stopwatch looking marking? I don't see it mentioned anywhere I've looked.

2. Does it look all original?

3. Assuming the gun is 95-98% condition, what is the value of this rifle?

Thanks for your time and insight!

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[m1903rifle]

From what I can see, it would appear to be all SC.

[browningautorifle]

Nice looking rifle, we'd love to see a few longer shots for the whole rifle...

[Rick the Librarian]

Mostly SC, but the stock is a Remington. The bolt sleeve is also a replacement. Nice rifle!

The "stopwatch" is actually an ordnance "belt" and is seen on many U.S. military rifles.

The markings just forward of the trigger guard are sub-inspection stamps; if one of them was a "diamond", you'd have a SC stock. The "half moon" is a poorly stamped "circle".

[+P+]

Great information so far! Thank you!

How is it determined that it is a replacement bolt sleeve?

Would the replacement bolt sleeve and stock been done during a re-arsenal?

Also, does the Remington stock hurt the collectibility or value of the rifle?

What is this gun worth?

Thanks again everyone, I will post better pictures this evening!

[+P+]

So, here are some better pics in the daylight! Please tell me what you think, including value opinions.

Thanks!

[browningautorifle]

Canadian $ is of no consideration to you guys...it would be valuable though...very clean rifle.

[+P+]

Lol. You're right. I have a $10 Canadian Bill that I tried to take to a "Currency Exchange" here in Illinois, and they sai quote "Oh, we don't exchange currency here..."

[browningautorifle]

Do it at the bank... That rifle would cost $1000 CDN plus...because it's so clean.

[JimF in CT]

. . . . .
How is it determined that it is a replacement bolt sleeve?
. . . . .

"BP" is "Bay Products" . . . a WW2 parts supplier.

ORIGINAL Smith Corona bolt sleeve MAY or MAY NOT be marked with a "G" on the right-front face . . . . visible when the bolt handle is lifted. --Jim