More 03A3 questions - barrel and maker?

[Lovesbeer99]

Ok, do I want a 2 groove or 4 groove barrel?

Also, is there any reason why I would want a Springfield vs a Smith Corona or other manufacturer?

Thanks

 

[CapnMac]

I've shot both, condition of crown and wear/errosion, headspace probably are more important than groove count.

Smith Corona made more (IIRC) of the 03A3 than anyone else. But, given the armorer practices in and after WWII, finding an "all remington" or "all springfield" would make me a tad leary, especially at the sort of prices such a specimen might command.

Overall condition, headspace, condition of the bolt lugs, those are the things I look for first. And, if you don't like something, like a milled front band, that's easy enough to replace, too.

But, that's my 2¢; others' differ.

 

[Jim Watson]

Do not confuse the 1903 with the 1903A3.
Springfield did not make the 1903A3; the armory had long since changed over to Garands.
Remington and Smith Corona were the only makers of 1903A3s.

Do you want an original or "correct" rifle for a high end collection or do you want a military rifle to show the type and/or to shoot? If the former, the minute details are way over my head. If you just want something that looks right and will take a refurbished rifle with mixed parentage, there is a lot more choice.

There is no advantage in the shooting of a 4 groove versus a 2 groove, just that it was faster and cheaper to cut two grooves than four. But there are some six groove barrels out there, too. One of those little specialist bits of trivia.

 

[Lovesbeer99]

Thanks for the responses.