Smith Corona 1903A3 .30 Cal Rifle??

[NYH1]

A friend of mine has a "never fired-mint condition" Smith Corona 1903A3 .30 Cal Rifle made in April 1943, serial number 3,686,XXX, original box, box of ammo that was bought with it and the receipt from the purchase.  Another friend wants to buy it.  What's it worth?

Thanks, NYH1!

[Swampman]

$550

[mannyrock]

Swampy,

     Perhaps prices are different in different parts of the country.

     TEN years ago, in Memphis, Tennesse, used in VG+ Smith Coronas were going for $650, all day long.  You absolutely could not touch one for less than that.  The Remington's were going for $700 plus.

      As far as collectible firearms, the Smith Coronas in near excellent condition generally go for more than the other makes.  Yes,  I know that the quality of the Smith's were not as good as the others, but the fact that fewer were made makes them rarer, which translates into much higher prices in the world of collectors.

    I have not checked prices in the past 10 years, but I would be stunned to find that they have fallen by 10 to 20%.

    The 03-A3 is a big favorite at the informal military firearms matches, because of the peepsight.

    Just my experience.

   Mannyrock

[Swampman]

I had one with a frosty bore that was mostly a parts gun.  It would shoot MOA groups with it's standard peep sights.

My guess is that the gun mentioned is not unfired but a DCM or CMP refurb.

I would not shoot that ammo because it's likely corrosive.

[mannyrock]

 
   Swampy, I'll bet you are right.  I wonder what is printed on the box that is present with the rifle?

Mannyrock

[mannyrock]

   
    Or perhaps, this is one of the total refurbs sold by Fulton Armory a few years ago?

[Swampman]

I believe Fulton cast their own receivers and used GI parts.  I've heard they shot pretty good.

[NYH1]

After digging a little more they found out it was an arsenal refurbished rifle.  It hasn't been fired since the refurbish.

He sold it today for $1200.

[Swampman]

Good for him.  That's really amazing.  Still I'd never sell my grandfather's rifle.

[NYH1]

Good for him.  That's really amazing.  Still I'd never sell my grandfather's rifle.

I didn't think he would either.  However, our plant is closing and we'll all be out of a job by the end of the year, most likely by the end of summer or early fall.  Things have slowed down dramatically.  Some get laid off for a few weeks, called back, laid off, called back.  Because of that you might go a few weeks without getting a paycheck.  People have to do what they have to do in times like this.  $1200 can be a big help.