Original 1903?

fcompton · April 27, 2001, 09:55 PM

I picked up a Smith –Corona, Model 03-A3 rifle today. Overall the wood is in excellent shape and the bluing is about 90%.
What I’m curious about is how original is the gun and its components.
Things I’m not so sure about :
1) Only 4 numbers of the serial numbers are readable (9482), The numbers preceding them are unreadable or very lightly stamped. It doesn’t appear that it has been filed down, as the bluing is sill intact in that area.
2) The rear site is a peep site and has windage and elevation adjustments. On the right side the elevation scale there is a picture of a hooded front site with a deer in front of it. (Doesn’t seem military)

The front site is a hooded site with the words “Lyman” on it. Original smith corona?

How can I tell how original it may be? I can send digital pictures to anyone who would like to see them.
Probably best if you respond to my email at [email protected]

Thanks for your help.

**Mike Irwin** · April 30, 2001, 06:44 PM

"Bluing?"

To the best of my knowledge, ALL Smith-Corona 03A3s were parkerized.

It sounds like someone has stripped the parkerization and blued the gun.

The sights are also replacements.

I'm not 100% certain, but I believe the marking on the rear sight is one used by Williams.

April 30, 2001, 06:44 PM	#2
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,379	"Bluing?" To the best of my knowledge, ALL Smith-Corona 03A3s were parkerized. It sounds like someone has stripped the parkerization and blued the gun. The sights are also replacements. I'm not 100% certain, but I believe the marking on the rear sight is one used by Williams. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

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April 27, 2001, 09:55 PM	#1
fcompton Junior Member Join Date: January 19, 2001 Location: Jackson NJ Posts: 14	I picked up a Smith –Corona, Model 03-A3 rifle today. Overall the wood is in excellent shape and the bluing is about 90%. What I’m curious about is how original is the gun and its components. Things I’m not so sure about : 1) Only 4 numbers of the serial numbers are readable (9482), The numbers preceding them are unreadable or very lightly stamped. It doesn’t appear that it has been filed down, as the bluing is sill intact in that area. 2) The rear site is a peep site and has windage and elevation adjustments. On the right side the elevation scale there is a picture of a hooded front site with a deer in front of it. (Doesn’t seem military) The front site is a hooded site with the words “Lyman” on it. Original smith corona? How can I tell how original it may be? I can send digital pictures to anyone who would like to see them. Probably best if you respond to my email at [email protected] Thanks for your help.