+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 17

Thread: Can't zero a Smith Corona 03A3

Click here to increase the font size Click here to reduce the font size
  1. #1
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    acesneights1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Last On
    01-20-2015 @ 10:20 AM
    Location
    Ct
    Posts
    4
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    07:21 AM

    Can't zero a Smith Corona 03A3

    Hello,
    I have a Smith Corona 1903a3 rifle. I am by no means an expert on firearms however I have a friend who is ex military and an enthusiast and identified it for me. My father gave me this rifle when I was 18 and it holds sentimental value although over the years(way before the internet)I could never get it sighted in. I thought it was just my in experience but my friend took it to the range with me and could not zero it either and said there may be an issue.
    I shoot other rifles and despite my in experience I actually shoot pretty good. Anyway The rifle hits about 2 clicks low and to the right and we are out of adjustment on the sight. The group is tight(2inches IIRC ??)
    According to my friend the wood has been "sporterized".
    Any ideas ? Should I just take it to a gunsmith ? I was gonna sell it but I really like the gun.
    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.

  2. # ADS
    Friends and Sponsors
    Join Date
    October 2006
    Location
    Milsurps.Com
    Posts
    All Threads
    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    supercub's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Last On
    08-31-2023 @ 10:07 AM
    Location
    Anchorage, Alaska
    Posts
    123
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    04:21 AM
    What letter designation is on the front sight blade? My 03A3's have A blades which work fine for 100 yard shooting. I assume you are shooting at 100? Can you post a picture of the rear sight taken from the rear? You are correct, your rifle has been sporterized as far as the stock goes. Looks from your pictures like it is an original military S stock cut down at the front along with the hand guard. I can't tell from your pictures what sight is on the front nor if the barrel has been cut down. Pictures in that area would help.

    Kurt

  4. Avoid Ads - Become a Contributing Member - Click HERE
  5. #3
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    acesneights1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Last On
    01-20-2015 @ 10:20 AM
    Location
    Ct
    Posts
    4
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    07:21 AM
    Thread Starter
    Here are some more pics hopefully better.

  6. #4
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    supercub's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Last On
    08-31-2023 @ 10:07 AM
    Location
    Anchorage, Alaska
    Posts
    123
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    04:21 AM
    Looks like the barrel is the original SC barrel. Your rear elevation setting us at the bottom and you should move it up a notch at least. Should slide up with thumb pressure and lock in the notch from spring pressure. You should move the wind age one or two notches left. That should put you right on. This is assuming the sight is now set for the low and right in your original post. If you've moved it since then we need to know that.

    Kurt

  7. #5
    Legacy Member Allen Humphrey's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Last On
    09-06-2023 @ 05:44 PM
    Location
    Dry side of Washingtion State
    Posts
    191
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    05:21 AM
    Start by checking to see if your stock is pushing on the barrel significantly. The full military stock typically only touches the barrel at the very tip of the stock. I'd suspect that your barrel is effectively free floating, but check anyway.

    Your "A" blade is the tallest, so a "B" will bring you up about 1.8" from current position. That would fix your elevation presuming your stock isn't driving the barrel around.

    Again presuming the stock isn't pushing the barrel L or R, you may need to drift the entire rear sight to center up the adjustment. There is a sticky on this forum that shows how the sight comes off.

    Finally, the following link gives some tips on using the sights. Using the Sights of the Model 03-A3.pdf - Google Drive

  8. #6
    Legacy Member WarPig1976's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Last On
    01-30-2023 @ 05:49 PM
    Location
    Delaware county, PA just outside Philadelphia.
    Posts
    2,659
    Real Name
    Jeff
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    07:21 AM
    If your hitting low/right, from you pictures you need to bring your elevation up to match the ammo your shooting. Come left with the peep.

  9. #7
    Advisory Panel Chuckindenver's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    Yesterday @ 12:08 PM
    Location
    Denver Co
    Age
    61
    Posts
    3,150
    Real Name
    chuck
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    06:21 AM
    looking at the pictures..
    your barrel is out of index, and someone has tried to bend the sight blade to compensate for this,.
    indexing the barrel is the only real fix for your issue.
    iv done this repair many many times..
    warpath metal finishing contact info.
    molinenorski@msn.com
    720-841-1399 during normal bus, hours.

  10. Thank You to Chuckindenver For This Useful Post:


  11. #8
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    supercub's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Last On
    08-31-2023 @ 10:07 AM
    Location
    Anchorage, Alaska
    Posts
    123
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    04:21 AM
    Thought the same thing but always hard to tell with pictures and inherent distortion. Looking at the rear sight it would appear there is plenty of windage in the correct direction and the same with the aperture. That front blade does look askew and the rear sight assembly is a bit set off to the left side. Who knows what's all been done and by whom with the gun. Mixed parts for sure on the bolt. I'm not doubting your assessment, just seeing a mixed picture here.

    Kurt

  12. #9
    Advisory Panel Chuckindenver's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    Yesterday @ 12:08 PM
    Location
    Denver Co
    Age
    61
    Posts
    3,150
    Real Name
    chuck
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    06:21 AM
    my assessment is correct...
    i see this alot.. even on guns with the original barrels .
    under and over indexed..
    i fix 2 or 3 a month.. has been more common now with the closet gunsmiths buying tools off the net and not having enough umph to get the barrel tight enough,
    the flooded market of Gibbs junk, with the receiver face out of spec from welding, and a new barrel is the most common deal.
    however.
    this rifle just needs the barrel removed. threads cleaned, and installed correctly... and a new front sight blade installed..
    warpath metal finishing contact info.
    molinenorski@msn.com
    720-841-1399 during normal bus, hours.

  13. #10
    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Last On
    Yesterday @ 10:05 PM
    Location
    Victoria BC
    Posts
    29,836
    Real Name
    Jim
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    05:21 AM
    As Chuck says, adjusting sights will never fix an out of index condition. It will at a given range, but when you change ranges the condition returns. You have to find TDC for correct zeroing.
    Regards, Jim

+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. 03A3 smith corona value?
    By surpman1911 in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 11-28-2013, 11:01 PM
  2. Smith Corona 03a3, .308 caliber
    By Blue Ridge Ranger in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 27
    Last Post: 01-11-2012, 05:07 PM
  3. Smith Corona 03a3 the sn# 4809xxx
    By ERIKSEN K in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 11-06-2011, 12:52 PM
  4. New Smith Corona 03A3
    By Calfed in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: 03-25-2010, 01:01 AM
  5. Smith Corona 03A3
    By RickM in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 03-13-2009, 11:11 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
Raven Rocks