Excellent early WWII Smith-Corona (SC) Model 1903A3 rifle manufactured circa January 1943 (second month of production) with the rare "six-groove" rifled barrel manufactured by the High Standard Co. The six-groove barrels were only produced for 3-4 months, then in approximately April 1943, they standardized on the "four-groove" rifling method. Smith-Corona barrels are considered some of the most accurate WWII rifle barrels produced. Receiver marked "U.S./SMITH-CORONA/MODEL 03-A3/3631678", barrel marked "SC/1-43". It has the correct early stamped unmarked Smith Corona high polish blued components such as the trigger guard, lower blued barrel band, follower, cutoff and blued cocking assembly and the stamped steel buttplate. It has an SC unmarked parkerized front barrel band/bayonet lug. The upper band is a polish blued "R" marked version band that’s probably original to the rifle as Remington did supply some small parts early on to help SC's initial start up. The barrel, receiver and bolt have the correct, early SC slate gray parkerized finish. It has an early SC bolts stamped with only a lot number "2" on the underside of the handle. It is fitted with the correct early, "two-pin" Smith Corona 1903A3 stock and handguard. The left side is stamped with crossed cannon and boxed "FJA" cartouches and no Remington proofmarks. A single circled "P" proof is in the pistol grip, and appropriate SC subinspector proofs are in front of the trigger guard. It also comes with a copy of a DD1172 Ordnance sales record, indicating this rifle was shipped from the Schenectady General Supply Depot to a gentleman in Wilson. NY.

Excellent with 98% of the original combination parkerize/blued finish showing only minor edge wear mixed with some browning on the edges of the buttplate. The stock and handguard are also in excellent condition with only minor handling marks and clear sharp cartouches and proofs on the stock. These early SC rifles are almost impossible to find in this condition. The consignor noted that he has owned this rifle for over 30 years, so its fresh to the market.