Were the WW2 M1903-A3 Rifles made by Smith-Corona used as sniper rifles? Were they national match grade?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 May 2021 01:04:23 -0400

The historian from the 40th ID did not know if these rifles were sniper rifles or not. I thought maybe somebody here would know?

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made May 19 at 2021 1:41 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Wed, 19 May 2021 01:41:33 -0400

Here are the 1903, 30-06 caliber Model 03-A3 rifles with two types sniper scopes mounted upon them. Springfield, Remington and Smith Corona all manufactured these 1903 Military weapons. From WWI, into WWII, Korea and even Vietnam these continued to be used as sniper rifles and were very accurate. There are versions that have been used some customized for that use and still are for civilian match shooting and still just as accurate. The American Legion post I'm a member of has 1903 Springfield, Model 03-A3's which We use in ceremonies and firing salutes and are still in top operating condition.

Response by 1SG Russell S. made May 19 at 2021 7:48 AM

1SG Russell S. — Wed, 19 May 2021 07:48:40 -0400

The M1903A3 rifle was a simplified version of the M1903 rifle. The use of a simplified rear sight and stamped steel parts instead of heavier more expensive milled steel components reduced weight and cost plus allowed for faster mfg. Smith Corona and Remington made 1903A3 rifles well into 1943 to supplement the M1 rifle. Only Remington 03A3s were used as sniper rifles and as such were designated as M1903A4. The markings were the same as standard production with the exception that there was a large gap between the serial number and the Maker logo to allow for a scope base on the top of the receiver. Many M1903 and later M1903A3 rifles were used well into 1942 by Marine and Army infantry until the supply of M1 rifles increased. The 1903 series continued to be issued to MPs, artillery, drivers and quartermaster etc… personnel until production of the smaller lighter M1 carbine allowed substitution. Many 1903 series rifles continued to be used by infantry units as a grenade launching platform well into 1944-45 until a suitable grenade launcher was available for the M1 rifle.
The Army declared the 1903 and A3 obsolete in 1947. The Remington 1903A4 sniper version continued in very limited quantity into Korea.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2021 11:13 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 May 2021 11:13:17 -0400

I read an article in American Rifleman about 20 years ago about the Springfield 1903 being used at the national match quite effectively by a WW2 vet. Not sure about 1903s made by any other manufacturers though.

I'd like to own any working 1903 myself for sure.