Smith Corona 1903A3 rifle info

[Craig Eberhardt]

That doesn't look like a rifle imported from Vietnam - they were pretty rough. Very nice and looks original. It would be interesting to know the history.

While I take such things with a grain of salt, the story is that it was brought back from New Guinea by an Australian serviceman. There were a lot of US serviceman stationed down here during the war...perhaps it was souvenired?

The wear on the Smith corona bolt suggests that it has been polished heavily....perhaps it had accumulated some rust in storage as the barrel is in very good nick.

It looks to me that while the stock is probably original it may have been refinished at some stage. Does everyone agree that linseed oil is the appropriate treatment? Can anyone recommend a brand?

Thanks for your help

[Rick the Librarian]

The "purists" vote for raw linseed oil (which you can get at art supply stores). I use boiled linseed oil and haven't noticed any particular difference. The key is to apply it in thin coats by hand. Wait, after application, maybe 30 minutes and wipe off the excess with a soft rag. Then, reapply. Some people also use Tung oil.

[Craig Eberhardt]

Hello there,

Had a good look at this rifle today. The stock has been sanded but the stamps have not been removed. It needs some oil to restore a more original look.

None of the parts have a R stamp. The barrel bands are all blued. The bolt has a small x on top of the bolt handle and a small 2 underneath. The bolt sleeve has a g on the front right face.

The floor plate and trigger guard is pressed metal and has a dark grey parkerised finished. The action is a olive green colour.

There is a silver oil bottle with a pull though and brush in one end in the butt trap.

The bolt headspaces very well.

Best of all the barrel cleaned up very well. Inspection with the bore scope revealed that the barrel is in almost new condition. It was very interesting to see the tool marks on the lands which suggests that the initial boring was a bit rough...perhaps due to production demands.

It also came with an M1 bayonet with an M7 scabbard. This is a 1943 UFH marked bayonet...it has a serial number on the side of the hilt....can anyone tell me why as I have not seen a photo of any other bayonet with a serial number in this spot.

The sight hood has a serial number commencing with the letter c on the side. Does anyone know what this serial number means?

As far as I can tell it is all original...if it is a parts build the builder has done a really amazing job.

Can't wait to shoot it.

Craig

[Rick the Librarian]

Can you post some pictures of the serial number on the side of the hilt?

[Mike D]

The sight hood has a serial number commencing with the letter c on the side. Does anyone know what this serial number means?Craig

I believe that is the drawing #. I believe all parts had one. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the letter denoted what scale the drawing was in.

If you want to post some photos of the bayo, just email them to me, and I'll get them posted when I get a chance.

Mike

[Rick the Librarian]

I thought the letter denoted the type of steel used. Open to correction on that, though.

[Chuckindenver]

on the sight protector.
drawing number, with a G in a triangle is a SC part,...Gothom steel.

[Craig Eberhardt]

Thanks Mike...I am away for a few days. I will send you some photos upon my return.

Craig

[Craig Eberhardt]

Should the bolt body be blued or parkerised on this rifle?

Bolt sleeve is a G stamped blued part although most of the blue has worn off. Bolt appears to have been parkerised in a very light olive green which matches the colour of he receiver. Thoughts?

Kind regards,

Craig

[Rick the Librarian]

Usually blued, (actually a blue/black) I believe.