Smith Corona Model 1903A3

[Wampuscat]

My wife's uncle has a 1944 Smith Corona Model 1903A3 that has been in a closet for over 20 years that he said I can have. It isn't a family rifle to be preserved. It was "sporterized" some time ago into a hunting rifle. I've thought of restoring it to it's 1944 state. Anybody out there with any experience with this? I'm not sure if it would even be worth it.

[Slick8]

Not sure myself but would like to hear what the experts say.

[cosmiccowboy]

I'm not an expert but if it's been heavily modified (bolt angle, etc.) It would be a monumental task to return it to "collector" status unless you already have the original stock, hardware and accessories from when it was modified. Original unmodified SC1903A3's typically sell for less than $500 unless they are in absolute mint condition so if it was mine I'd just shoot it the way it came.

[cosmiccowboy]

*

[Humper]

Can you post some pics. Has it been tapped for a scope?

[jerp]

I opened this thread expecting to see a vintage typewriter. Shows how much I know about guns...

[cosmiccowboy]

I opened this thread expecting to see a vintage typewriter. Shows how much I know about guns...

WWII enlisted everyone. You would be amazed at the consumer product manufacturers that were making guns when you research it.

[Humper]

I'd love to have an original smith Corona 03A3. I've got an original remington 03A3, but the coronas are super sexy!

[JTRichardson]

I opened this thread expecting to see a vintage typewriter. Shows how much I know about guns...

I thought the same thing jerp!

[Wampuscat]

From what I've read online, and we know if it's online it has to be true, this one was built in 1944. After the war, it was converted to a sporting rifle. That was a long time ago, so all the original parts are long since gone. I've seen the stocks running as high as $375! Looks like it will stay a hunting rifle. And no it hasn't been drilled for a scope.

From what I understand only Remington, Springfield Armory, and Smith-Corona manufactured these duringWWII.

I'm in Alvin and will need a good gunsmith to give his OK before I fire it. I've taken an older Remington 700 CDL 30.06 and all my Weatherby's (.270, 30.06, & 7mm Mag) to Brileys for trigger work. I don't mind driving to Houston but would take it to someone closer if they are highly recommended and prepared for work on a 70 year old rifle. The last thing I want is a box of parts back when I give them an intact rifle.

[Draco]

I bought two when I was 15, one for a friend and one for me. Mine was a Smith Corona and my friends was made by Singer I believe. His had only two grooves in the rifling and never did shoot good. Mine shot unbelievably good with every thing I reloaded for it, from 90 gr. all the way up to 220 gr.

[dbaio1]

That's treasure to have for sure. Congrats....

Seems like everyday I open a thread here and realize my Toy "Want List" is too big

A Super Match M1A is on my list.................... ugg

Ok, we need oil at $150 bbl and natty gas at $10+ per my toy fund needs bolstering pronto

[Slewfoot]

I remember some of these rifles being modified by friends that could not afford new rifles. What I remember the most was how very accurate they were.

[no1hogkiller]

Top one is Remington 43 "transition". Remington used 03 parts and 03A3 parts.
2 of the other 4 are restorations. Not correct but looks good.
The darker on is a Smith Corona with almost all correct parts.

Numrich has some parts. Check the Houston area gun shows there is always something. Make it a quest.

There is another one that I rescued. Bubba tried to drill and tap the receiver. Had it welded then made a sporter out of it with a wildcat barrel in 8mm/338 mag.

[Wampuscat]

Those are some beautiful pieces of history.