03A3 shoots high- way high

[cracked butt]

I acquired a Smith Corona 03A3 awhile back and finally got a chance to shoot it yesterday. I shot it from a bench at 100 and 200 meters using 150 gr winchester powerpoint ammo. The rifle shot really well as it grouped 10 shots in 2.5" at 100 and in about 6 " at 200- with about a 40 mph wind blowing I might add. The problem I do have is that at 100 meters it shot about 10" high and at 200 it shot about a fot high, this is with the sight set at its lowest setting. There doesn't appear to be anything wrong with the rear sight- it sits solid, the windage adjustment seems very positive, and there seems to be a spring under the sight that holds it tight in place. The front sight doesn't appear to be modified in any way.

IS it normal for 03A3's to shoot high despite having a sight graduation for 100 yards? If not, is there a way to correct this problem? Can any one tell about the ballistics of the ball ammo that was made to be fired in this rifle? I'd like to shoot this rifle in DCM and high power matches this summer, and would like to get the elevation problems sorted out.

 

[Badger Arms]

That's not normal for a 1903A3. It is perfectly normal for the older 1903 though. You can find a load that shoots lower, perhaps a 180 gr. load or maybe one you load yourself? Question, are you shooting from a rest such as a sandbag, bipod, or other rest? You need a taller front sight. If you don't mind altering your gun, you can have a gunsmith put a taller front sight on it. Another thing you can do is use a 6 o'clock hold. Just thoughts, good luck.

 

[Keith]

That's pretty typical of military rifle sights of that era, and earlier. They are regulated that way on purpose, with the idea being you just hold low at close ranges.

You'll have to get a taller front sight and work it out that way.

Keith

 

[cracked butt]

I shot from sandbags as there was too much snow on the ground for me to want to shoot from a slung prone position. Are there taller sights made for the springfield? If so, where can I find one?

 

[Keith]

Cracked,

I'm not familiar enough with 03's to give specific advice. Meaning, I'm not sure if the front site is attached with a dovetail in the base or you must replace the entire ramp, etc. But, the 03 was one of the most commonly sporterized rifles in america and there are a variety of sights out there for it. Any good gunsmith should have a suitable sight in stock, in a variety of heights.

Maybe an 03 collector will ring in here with some specific sight to recommend.

Keith

 

[Badger Arms]

http://www.jouster.com/cgi-bin/03/03config.pl?

 

[Vern Humphrey]

There are sights made to different heights for the Springfield, or you can make your own -- a washer works well, just cut with hacksaw and shape with a file. Make it about 0.1" higher than the present sight, and it should fall within the adjustment range of your rear sight.

Another simple trick I used with an 03A3 I have is to add a bead made of epoxy to the front sight, and whiten with typewriter fluid -- this produces a great hunting sight, although not so precise for target work.

 

[cookhj]

my 03A3 has that same exact problem. it shoots about 10" high at 100 yds. i know that the actual sight blade is held in place with one or two pins and can be removed. i believe that nurmrich arms (gun parts corp) has front sight blades in their catalog.

 

[cracked butt]

Thanks for the help everyone. I think I will try to find a taller front sight or make a new one.

 

[Ledbetter]

Look for a letter on the side of your front sight. They come in A,B, and C. You can get new ones from the sponsors at Jouster.com.

 

[Gewehr98]

Like Ledbetter said...

There were several different front sight blades produced for the 1903, 1903Mk1, 1903A1, and 1903A3, with varying heights. Same for the British NoIMkIII, No4Mk1, and No5Mk1 Lee Enfields.