First M1903a3

**zh75** · 03-20-2022 05:25 PM

Hi all,

Picked up my first 1903a3 & is currently on the way to me (not here yet). Thought I’d share some preliminary pictures so you guys can tell me how I did.

It’s a 1944 SC with 11-43 SC barrel - the seller advertised it as correct but seems like the SC bolt is new to the rifle. Also not sure if the BP bolt sleeve would be considered correct, I’ve found lots of contradicting information.

Any and all input is welcome, I’ll share more pictures when it gets here!

https://imgur.com/a/ThgtjE4

Information

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**Highly Recommended** · 03-20-2022 05:25 PM

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**ssgross** · 03-20-2022 05:41 PM

nice looking rifle. I've been looking for a few years now for the right "bubba's reject" early production smith corona to come along to match my very late production typewriter. Haven't found it yet.
Most SC's I've seen no longer have an SC bolt or sleeve. Even if it wasn't original to the rifle, count your blessings you have one. They are near impossible to find.

**zh75** · 03-21-2022 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by ssgross

nice looking rifle. I've been looking for a few years now for the right "bubba's reject" early production smith corona to come along to match my very late production typewriter. Haven't found it yet.
Most SC's I've seen no longer have an SC bolt or sleeve. Even if it wasn't original to the rifle, count your blessings you have one. They are near impossible to find.

Thanks! Yeah I suppose you’re right, I’m now looking for a good Remington to keep it company

**1903Collector** · 03-26-2022 01:59 AM

Originally Posted by zh75

Thanks! Yeah I suppose you’re right, I’m now looking for a good Remington to keep it company

its harder and harder to find SC receivers with the original SC barrel as well. If I recall correctly BP is consistent with SCs. I didnt see any pics!?!?

**ssgross** · 03-26-2022 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by 1903Collector

I didnt see any pics!?!?

link was in the text of the first post, copy paste. Here they are for convenience...

**1903Collector** · 03-31-2022 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by ssgross

outstanding!

**John Beard** · 04-09-2022 07:16 PM

Your rifle has been overhauled, refinished, and re-assembled from mixed parts. The BP bolt sleeve is not a Smith-Corona part.

J.B.

**m1903rifle** · 04-09-2022 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by John Beard

Your rifle has been overhauled, refinished, and re-assembled from mixed parts. The BP bolt sleeve is not a Smith-Corona part.

J.B.

John,
BP bolt sleeves were not made by SC, but were they made on contract for SC (since they have the same contour as the SC made ones)?

**John Beard** · 04-16-2022 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by m1903rifle

John,
BP bolt sleeves were not made by SC, but were they made on contract for SC (since they have the same contour as the SC made ones)?

No. B.P. bolt sleeves were made as spare parts by Bay Products Co. on a direct contract with Army Ordnance.

J.B.

p.s.,

CC bolt sleeves also have that same contour.

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