The Accurate Reloading Forums
smith corona o3a3
14 July 2010, 11:21
Frank Martinezsmith corona o3a3
I found an interesting rifle today. It is in fine condition except that the stock was refinished and appears to have been reblued.
I am considering a purchase but don't know what an honest price might be.
Any help?
I know they sell from $800 to lots more but what about the work done to it.
Thanks
Frank
14 July 2010, 12:46
LionHunterFrank,
What you describe has no value to a collector. It should be considered as a shooter or wall hanger, but collector value was lost when it was re-blued and having the stock re-finished, unless the wood was restored and the cartouches remain. I would give it a value of no more than perhaps $400, $600 tops - and I wouldn't pay that for it. But if you find it attractive, buy it, they haven't made one for 65 years, just know it has no value as a collector.
BTW, pics always help in evaluation of potential collectibles.
I collect and restore U.S. military weapons and have two Smith Corona M1903A3s along with a variety of other '03 specimens among my collection.
Mike
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14 July 2010, 17:33
PSmithFrank,
You might check out
www.oldguns.net they sell all manner of milsurp rifles and you can get an idea of what the 1903-A3s sell for, whether Remingtons or Smith Coronas. They usually have Springfield 1903s as well.
Also
www.scott-duff.com is a good source for collector grade rifles.
Paul Smith
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14 July 2010, 22:42
Frank MartinezThanks guys, I will make an offer at the low end and let it go if it is not accepted.
Frank
Sorry, I put this in the wrong forum.
I have a very nice & original down to the sling Smith & Corona 03-A3 that I have been concidering parting with, as well as a Winchester 30 M1 carbine. PM me if interested and provide e-mail address & I will forward pic's to interested parties.
M4220
15 July 2010, 08:16
Frank MartinezThanks for the advice guys, I will know tomorrow if they will accept my offer of $500 which includes ammo and clips.
Frank
20 July 2010, 04:05
jeffeossoI love it
20 July 2010, 04:36
Dall85This would be great for military style matches. Good find!
Jim
20 July 2010, 04:45
plainsman456Looks good Frank,Have fun shooting.
20 July 2010, 09:22
Frank MartinezThanks guys. I get cut loose for some outdoor fun in two weeks and can hardly wait.
Frank
Beautiful old battle rifle! It sure does LOOK like it oughta' shoot.
.
20 July 2010, 21:45
kreytenFrank,
I have a smith corona 03a3 that I break out now and again. Everytime I shoot it, I remember how sweet the rifle is. I can easily group 180gr bullets to about as close as I can hold now...eyes not as sharp as the used to be.
I have killed deer and hogs with this rifle.
Shoot it and enjoy! Congrats.
Cheers
21 July 2010, 08:04
Frank MartinezI plan to have fun with it. I am by no means a marksman but I have a friend who shoots high power all the time and he agreed to put it through some testing for me while giving me some pointers on shooting.
I will use his ammo at first and then reload for it later.
Frank
21 July 2010, 21:10
Low WallIt has a pistol grip stock..
Is that common?
My SC 03A3 and others that I have seen had straight stocks is why I ask..
21 July 2010, 23:35
Frank MartinezIt has an after market stock and was re finished. No cartouches found o the stock.
Frank