July 12-14, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/13/2022
Hoping to garner more participation with the Camp Perry Match Rifle Competition by Military, National Guard, ROTC, and civilian competitors, the Army Ordnance Corps were proposed to develop a new rifle which was comparable in both accuracy and operation to the Pre-World War II Model 1903A1 National Match rifles, as well as adhere to the NRA definition and rules pertaining to a match rifle. Having consumed the stock of 1903A1 National Match rifles due to World War II, Springfield selected new and unfired 1903A3 rifles manufactured by Remington and Smith-Corona. Approximately 140 of these rifles were produced, with production terminating when inspection by Lt. Col. William S. Brophy indicated that the rifles stood little chance of having the performance that was desired. Subsequently, few were ever issued and most were sold through the Civilian Marksmanship Program. This example is stamped "U.S. / SMITH-CORONA / MODEL 03-A3" above the serial number over the chamber, with "SC / (Flaming Ordnance Bomb) / 8 45" stamped on the barrel to the rear of the front sight. Left side of stock bears a crossed cannons ordnance stamp and Smith-Corona "FJA" inspector stamp, followed by Springfield Armory "SA" within a rectangle rework stamp. Bottom of stock bears proper Smith-Corona proofs with an encircled "P" firing proof at the wrist. Bolt is properly replaced with a polished nickel steel bolt, with additional arsenal modifications including a replacement forged and machine serrated buttplate, the installation of a Redfield Olympic aperture rear sight, as well as adjustment of the trigger pull to pre-war National Match spec of #3 - 1/2. Major metal components are parkerized, with the front sight, rear sight, and bolt cocking piece being blued. Receiver is fitted with proper 03-A3 straight grip stock and handguard. Rifle is accompanied by its original and matching box that exhibits the correct Federal Stock Number "1005-3172478" as well as a matching handwritten serial number. CONDITION: Extremely fine, with metal components retaining nearly all of their Springfield Armory reapplied finish, exhibiting some minor superficial marks from storage and handling. Front sight band and barrel (towards muzzle) exhibit some silvering and discoloration. Mirror bore, exhibiting sharp and well defined 4-groove rifling throughout. Stock exhibits a few dings and minor marks from storage and handling, but is otherwise fine. Box shows some exterior wear and staining, but is otherwise very good. An exceptional example of an extremely scarce variation for the discerning 1903 collector. MLW
Item Dimensions: 46" x 8" x 4"
Caliber/Bore
.30-06 Springfield
Model
1903A3 National Match