Smith-Corona 03/A3

[GarandMan]

I still don't have the sling on it but here are some pictures. The bore is bright and shiney and looks like its going to be a good shooter. I have some Garands but I have never shot an 03/A3.
I've loaded up 50 rounds and I'm going to the range Saturday.

Information

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[emmagee1917]

Just make sure the metal tube is in the rear action screw hole of the stock and that the action screws are tight before firing. Nice looking gun with the early pin style stock.
Chris

[GarandMan]

Don't you think the stock looks dry? What would be good to rub it down with, boiled linseed oil? Should it just be rubbed down with a soft cloth?

[Rick the Librarian]

You'll get as many "recipes" for cleaning/maintaining a stock as there are posters around here! Mine is to take either boiled or raw linseed oil; apply generously with your fingers. Let "sit" for maybe 20-30 minutes. Wipe off the excess with a soft, dry, rag.

[emmagee1917]

It's an early Smith . Remington started production using two cross bolts to add strength to the stock like RIA and SA used. As they went to the A3 and were looking for ways to speed production and cut materials and costs , they replaced the two stock bolts with 2 "pins " , actually two brass wood screws in fact. They had problems with those splitting so in the summer of '43 they went back to the two bolts. S/C started production with the A3 and used the "pins" at first . They , too , switched to bolts in the summer of '43. You do need to keep an eye on your stock for cracking , but if you don't fire grenades off it or use it to excess , it should be fine.
Chris

[GarandMan]

Hey Chris,
The top of the stock on the left side that butts up to the receiver is slightly cracked is it still ok to shoot it?
TedZ

[GarandMan]

Here is a picture of the crack. Will it start cracking worse will I shoot it?

[Mike D]

The crack in the handguard won't affect your shooting it. If it were mine I would try opening it up from the underside and dropping some superglue in there.

[daveboy]

The crack in the handguard won't affect your shooting it. If it were mine I would try opening it up from the underside and dropping some superglue in there.

Good advice. Just a DROP of superglue.

daveboy

[emmagee1917]

Agreed. For a second I thought you were talking about the stock aft the rear reciever screw . So..... how'd she do ?
Chris