Got my 03A3 today!

[Father Knows Best]

And she's a beaut. A Smith-Corona in pristine condition, with all numbers matching and a crisp stock cartouche. Better yet, she cost me just $375.

How'd I do it? Simple. The 03A3 has been my dad's for many years. I've periodically drooled over it. Recently, he said he was interested in getting a PPK. I just happened to have one I'd picked up recently for $375. He said he's trade me straight up for it. Deal! Actually, I offered to give him some cash, too, but he turned me down. He knew how much I wanted that rifle.

It's gonna look great on the wall with my Garands and M1 carbine. I'm just bummed that winter is setting in and I probably won't get her out to the range for another six months or so.

 

[U.S.SFC_RET]

If you bundle up like a marshmallow you don't need a shoulder pad.

 

[Keith Wheeler]

Congrats! I've got a Smith-Corona too, really great for serious punctuation. Mine is an inherited rifle; my grandfather bought it for $25.

Yep, they do look great next to a carbine. Wish I had the Garand too. Oh, and they shoot fine in cold weather.

 

[Gendaito]

lucky!

I wish my dad had one! He does have a M1 carbine that he's thinking about giving to me, but I'm really hoping for a 1903.

don't let the sub-freezing temps stop you from shooting a few rounds!

and we need pics!

 

[Will Fennell]

I traded a couple of knives for mine....

i was lucky enouh to have hoarded a couple of knives that the former owner realllly wanted ......so I traded bowies kinives for my 03A3 Remington I really enjoy having it in my safe, and as often as I can manage on the range. I have a witnessed 3 shot, 3" 200 yard group with the issue sights and Danish ball ammo and have haversted a nice 6 pt buck with it

I really like mine, and would consider it over anything in my arsenal for your average zombie attack

 

[lionking]

awesome, congrats.I really love mine,its my favorite bolt surplus rifle.I'd say a photo would be in order wouldn't you?

 

[Limeyfellow]

I yet to convince my father in law that he might want to hand his M1 carbine to me for safe keeping. He did give me an Arisaka though so I really can't complain too much.

 

[Father Knows Best]

I'd say a photo would be in order wouldn't you?

Ask and ye shall receive. Here she is (excuse my poor photo skills. please):

 

[jagdpanzer347]

FNB, that is a fine looking weapon! I need to pick up a Springfield, a M1 carbine, and a P1917 to keep my Garands company. I'm looking at the P1917 tommorrow.

-jagd

 

[lionking]

man it really is a beauty....If I came across one in that condition I'd always snag it up...even for more than you paid.

well done!Glad it was kept in the family.

Ps;if you ever decide you'd like to trade it back for a Ppk again,I'll do a little trading with 'ya lol!

 

[cracked butt]

wow! beautiful rifle.

 

[BoySetsTheFire]

Put on some warm clothes and get 'er out to the range. That exact Smith Corona A3 just auctioned off, less than one hour ago, at a price in excess of $1300 on the CMP auction. And, from the photographs, it was not in as good shape as yours. That is supposed to be a very accurate rifle.

 

[Sheldon]

All the CMP auctions go for crazy prices though!!

 

[trbon8r]

WOW, that 03A3 is a beauty!

I've got a nice Remington with a mint bore. At some point the stock was changed since it's got a nice Smith Corona stock on it. I bought it on one of the auction sites.

First time out with the rifle I got down in a prone position, locked into the sling and fired a sighter. The shot was about 3 inches low and dead center. I went one click up on the rear sight and proceeded to shoot another 10 shots. They were all 10s and fell within a 4-5" spread. Not bad for 200 yards, Korean PS surplus ammo, and irons!!

I haven't shot the rifle since and almost don't want to since I know I'll drop one into the 9 ring eventually. I love the sights on the 03A3, better than my Garands or M1As. That fine little front post really allows for a precise sight picture.

 

[Father Knows Best]

Thanks for all the compliments on the rifle. She is indeed a beauty. I also have a mint "collector grade" M1 in the back of the safe that I got from CMP a couple of years back. I need to figure out how to photograph firearms and take a family portrait! Come to think of it, I'll need a pristine M1 carbine to complete the set....

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

"It's gonna look great on the wall with my Garands and M1 carbine. "


On the wall? Put it in the safe with the rest of the ones that you wouldn't ever want to have fall into the wrong hands.

-Steve


(I have one too. She sits in the safe until I want to shoot.)