Debating a Smith Corona 1903A3 Purchase

[John Beard]

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.

You did very well and have a fine rifle!

J.B.

p.s.,

The rifle is a very desirable and valuable early production rifle and has the early style of receiver machining for the cutoff recess. The machining on Salt Flat's rifle is the later style.

[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.

[Salt Flat]

Jeff, These rifles were deactivated by the U.S. military so they could be used for teaching purposes and drill. The deactivation involved plugging the barrel and welding it to the receiver. The cut off switch was welded in the down position which make taking the bolt out impossible. Also the firing pin tip was ground off and the firing pin hole in the face of the bolt was welded up. The weld on the cut off was done with stainless welding wire. This leaves a bright color on the receiver where the weld is ground off. So these drill rifles were used for many years until the military surplussed thousands of them in the 1990's (not certain on the years here). Anyway they were dirt cheap and some people began "reactivating " these rifles. Barrels, bolts, firing pins cutoff etc were replaced. Old cutoff had to be ground down and removed. The area around the cut off was cleaned up by grinding or like yours it was machined to get rid of the stainless welds. Some look better than others. Yours was somewhat crudely done (rough machining). Also Check the under the front of receiver to see what's left of the stainless weld in that area. Rock River arms and Gibbs Rifle Co made many faux 1903a4 sniper rifles using these drill receivers. The picture I posted shows what it looked like when manufactured. Look it at closely and compare to your photo. The original machining was done with a shaped custom cutter while the Bubba machining was done with a simple end mill cutter and remove say a 1/16 " of material. Salt Flat

[JeffreyJ5]

Jeff, These rifles were deactivated by the U.S. military so they could be used for teaching purposes and drill. The deactivation involved plugging the barrel and welding it to the receiver. The cut off switch was welded in the down position which make taking the bolt out impossible. Also the firing pin tip was ground off and the firing pin hole in the face of the bolt was welded up. The weld on the cut off was done with stainless welding wire. This leaves a bright color on the receiver where the weld is ground off. So these drill rifles were used for many years until the military surplussed thousands of them in the 1990's (not certain on the years here). Anyway they were dirt cheap and some people began "reactivating " these rifles. Barrels, bolts, firing pins cutoff etc were replaced. Old cutoff had to be ground down and removed. The area around the cut off was cleaned up by grinding or like yours it was machined to get rid of the stainless welds. Some look better than others. Yours was somewhat crudely done (rough machining). Also Check the under the front of receiver to see what's left of the stainless weld in that area. Rock River arms and Gibbs Rifle Co made many faux 1903a4 sniper rifles using these drill receivers. The picture I posted shows what it looked like when manufactured. Look it at closely and compare to your photo. The original machining was done with a shaped custom cutter while the Bubba machining was done with a simple end mill cutter and remove say a 1/16 " of material. Salt Flat

Thank you for the follow up. After reviewing various examples of drill rifles (and re-activated ones), I think I'll have to disagree with you that this is an example of one. It would appear the very early Smith Corona 1903A3s (perhaps others as well?) differed in the receiver as John Beard has stated.

I was able to locate an example that shows an identical machining method (albeit a different rear sight installed). When compared to the Springfield 1903 (Circa 1929) I have, the design seems very similar.

The "weld" originally mentioned on the cut-off lever is not weld; upon closer inspection it's most certainly damage. I found no other evidence of any welds inside or outside of the receiver that any modifications were made to convert this to a drill rifle.

I'll keep doing some digging (I ordered Joe Poyer's book a few moments ago) to see if I can definitively reaffirm the above, but perhaps Mr. Beard has some further insight.

[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.

[Salt Flat]

John, I have re-examined the photos and with great embarrassment will switch my position. I know you have examined many many 03a3s of all types. So-- If you tell me the early SC rifles had that style of cut out machining I accept your analysis and will slowly lick the the egg off my red face. It is a very nice rifle and I am sorry Jeffery for "tainting" your thread. My input was based on the rough and unusual shape of the cutout and the damaged cutoff switch. I have a couple of reactivated 03a3s (Remington) so I am always looking . Cheers

[John Beard]

Salt Flat,

A friend had a sign in his office, "Ignorance is curable. Stupidity is not." You have demonstrated the former, not the latter. I commend you!

J.B.

[polska]

Just to add my 2 cents worth I have a similar SC which is 10,000 earlier serial number. Yes it has the deep earlier cut machining like yours. I also have a 6 groove barrel but mine is dated 2-43 as yours is 1-43 and my rifle is a little earlier than yours.

[Chuckindenver]

recovered drill rifle, done very nicely, but a drill rifle non the less

[JeffreyJ5]

recovered drill rifle, done very nicely, but a drill rifle non the less

I think we put that notion to rest. What specifics about the gun lead you to believe it's a recovered drill rifle?