Debating a Smith Corona 1903A3 Purchase

[JeffreyJ5]

The rifle is NOT a recovered drill rifle. The rifle simply has a battered cutoff from slamming the bolt rearward. And that's not uncommon.

Thank you very, very much for this insight!

After taking the gun apart and giving it a detailed cleaning, I took some additional photos of any markings I could find. It would appear to me that a lot of the components are Remington. As far as I know, SC components were all made in house with the exception of the barrels, correct?. Would this be indicative of an arsenal rebuild at some point in its life despite not stock marking? And can I rest peacefully tonight knowing its fairly common and acceptable to find Remington components in a SC?

Also included two photos of the "final product" post cleaning and one with my Springfield '03 for everybody's viewing pleasure.

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[John Beard]

Thank you very, very much for this insight!

After taking the gun apart and giving it a detailed cleaning, I took some additional photos of any markings I could find. It would appear to me that a lot of the components are Remington. As far as I know, SC components were all made in house with the exception of the barrels, correct?. Would this be indicative of an arsenal rebuild at some point in its life despite not stock marking? And can I rest peacefully tonight knowing its fairly common and acceptable to find Remington components in a SC?

Also included two photos of the "final product" post cleaning and one with my Springfield '03 for everybody's viewing pleasure.

You have a splendid rifle. And you are correct that Smith-Corona made most of the parts. Barrels were made by High Standard and Stocks and Handguards were also made by a subcontractor.

Remington was indeed authorized to transfer some early parts to Smith-Corona. I know that stocks were transferred. And I have seen a few other small parts to include front sights. But I believe some of the Remington parts on your rifle may be replacements made by a previous owner.

Thanks again for sharing!

J.B.