What to look for - Springfield 1903A3/Lee Enfield

[Patton63]

I am looking to pick up a Springfield 1903a3 and/or a Lee Enfield. I know the common advice is not to buy one of these rifles without reading a couple excellent books. However, I'm heading to a gun show this weekend and would be willing to pick up the right rifle if I could find it. Can someone help me construct a list of specific things to look for and questions to ask when evaluating one of these rifles? (Note - I searched posts from the last 2 years and didn't find anything that helped).

I appreciate your thoughts and insights into these two rifles and am grateful for your assistance.

- Chris

 

[crowsnest2002]

Re: What to look for - Springfield 1903A3/Lee Enfield

Look for Remington Manufacture.. They are the collectors..

 

[1917]

Re: What to look for - Springfield 1903A3/Lee Enfield

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Patton63</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Can someone help me construct a list of specific things to look for and questions to ask when evaluating one of these rifles?
- Chris </div></div>

For the 03A3 and any other 30 cal rifle a set of throat and barrel gauges
will give you an idea of the amount of use it has and has to go. The military considered a "3" IIRC gtg for service

gauges

 

[Parallax]

Re: What to look for - Springfield 1903A3/Lee Enfield

Information here is based on looking for one in "correct" as issued condition. The most collectable M1903A3 are those manufactured by Smith Corona... not Remington. They bring a small premium because SC made comparatively fewer then Remington. In fact, Remington made 3 times as many.

Most of the gun show M1903A3 you will find are mixmasters. Expect to pay ~$750-$900 for a nice correct Smith Corona 03A3 and $650-$750 for a nice correct Remington. Prices seem to fluctuate lately as collector interest in these is increasing.

Basic things to watch....

1. Smith Corona rifles have Smith Corona barrels and Remington rifles have Remington barrels... steer clear of mixmasters.

2. Most components of a Remington rifle are stamped R while SC rifle components are either not stamped or stamped G

3. SC rifles have SC made stocks and Remington rifles have Remington made stocks. You can tell the mfg easiest by the shape of the routed band retainer cutout towards the muzzle. If it's square it's a Remington.... if round it's Smith Corona. There should be an Ordance Dept mark and inspection stamp FJA on the left side... later Remingtons will also be stamped RA on the left side. There should be a circle P behind the trigger guard on the palm swell. Any other markings besides these on the stock butt or sides means either import or rebuild.

4. Both rifles will be a mix of blued and parkerized parts. If all parkerized generally they are arsenal rebuilds and not as originally made.

5. Remington bolts handles are marked with an R while Smith Corona original bolts are marked with a lightly struck X on the top of the bolt handle.

Like most military weapons, these were made so as to interchange parts easily for field repair. It's not uncommon to see a mix of parts and it doesn't mean a hill of beans if it's put together right and the bolt/bbl is properly headspaced. Only matters to a collector. This is a big subject and simply too long to go into on this forum.... if you want a collectable piece dont buy without research and a good book as a guide. Look at all the pics on this page and it will help in finding the "most correct" first rifle.

If you want a shooter... check throat wear, headspace and muzzle wear and don't worry about the rest.

 

[Patton63]

Re: What to look for - Springfield 1903A3/Lee Enfield

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Parallax</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Information here is based on looking for one in "correct" as issued condition. The most collectable M1903A3 are those manufactured by Smith Corona... not Remington. They bring a small premium because SC made comparatively fewer then Remington. In fact, Remington made 3 times as many.

Most of the gun show M1903A3 you will find are mixmasters. Expect to pay ~$750-$900 for a nice correct Smith Corona 03A3 and $650-$750 for a nice correct Remington. Prices seem to fluctuate lately as collector interest in these is increasing.

Basic things to watch....

1. Smith Corona rifles have Smith Corona barrels and Remington rifles have Remington barrels... steer clear of mixmasters.

2. Most components of a Remington rifle are stamped R while SC rifle components are either not stamped or stamped G

3. SC rifles have SC made stocks and Remington rifles have Remington made stocks. You can tell the mfg easiest by the shape of the routed band retainer cutout towards the muzzle. If it's square it's a Remington.... if round it's Smith Corona. There should be an Ordance Dept mark and inspection stamp FJA on the left side... later Remingtons will also be stamped RA on the left side. There should be a circle P behind the trigger guard on the palm swell. Any other markings besides these on the stock butt or sides means either import or rebuild.

4. Both rifles will be a mix of blued and parkerized parts. If all parkerized generally they are arsenal rebuilds and not as originally made.

5. Remington bolts handles are marked with an R while Smith Corona original bolts are marked with a lightly struck X on the top of the bolt handle.

Like most military weapons, these were made so as to interchange parts easily for field repair. It's not uncommon to see a mix of parts and it doesn't mean a hill of beans if it's put together right and the bolt/bbl is properly headspaced. Only matters to a collector. This is a big subject and simply too long to go into on this forum.... if you want a collectable piece dont buy without research and a good book as a guide. Look at all the pics on this page and it will help in finding the "most correct" first rifle.

If you want a shooter... check throat wear, headspace and muzzle wear and don't worry about the rest.



</div></div>

Thanks a lot.

 

[TonyTRG]

Re: What to look for - Springfield 1903A3/Lee Enfield

For sure I'm not over quailified in this department - so the real experts please chime in.

If you're after an Enfield what are you looking for? An SMLE or a No4? Something with history or a rifle in 'as new' condition?

There are No4 s out there that were put into storage virtually straight after manufacture. These have recently been released (ie at least in the last couple of years) for export from the UK MOD . Strangely they cannot be sold direct in the UK. So my own was exported to the US then re imported and reproofed before it was available to buy.

As with the Springfields I would advise getting a rifle with all matching numbers and with no wear evident from guaging. Mine came with matching numbered bayonet and sheath and was post war production (53) . No History but it was cheap and I bought it to shoot, not to look at.

Now if you want an SMLE that's a different story - gonna cost more for a good one- but in some ways better to shoot.....It really is a big subject!

 

[Sniff]

Re: What to look for - Springfield 1903A3/Lee Enfield

Many of the WWII manufacture No.4 MkI* Enfields, particularly those made in Canada by Longbranch had only a two groove barrel.

Canadian rifles have an 'L' in the serial numbers.

Many only had flip over battle sights set for 300 or 600 yards.

If you want one for an accurate shooter, keep looking for a five groove barrel and the ladder type rear sights.

The best ones are the No.4 MkIIs that are known as the Irish Contract rifles. Made in the early 1950s and kept in the grease since then.

Enfields are great rifles.

Sniff

 

[Metalhead0483]

Re: What to look for - Springfield 1903A3/Lee Enfield

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sniff</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
If you want one for an accurate shooter, keep looking for a five groove barrel and the ladder type rear sights. </div></div>

You know Sniff, I've owned many enfields of different models nationalities over the years and normally I'd agree with you 100%, but I have to say my most recent No4 Mk1 is a pakistani (yeah, I know, I got it for like $75) with a two groove bbl, and the 300/600 battle sight and it's one of the most accurate enfields I've ever owned. I guess even the blind monkeys will sometimes find bananas...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sniff</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Enfields are great rifles. </div></div>

Can't argue that point. Fast, reliable, and accurate. What's not to love?

 

[Patton63]

Re: What to look for - Springfield 1903A3/Lee Enfield

No need to apologize for the long post - the information was great. I ended up getting a Smith-Corona, with a barrel date of 11-42. It has the following markings:

Left side of the stock: FJA (in a square); crossed barrels; RIA EB (in a square)

Bottom of stock: P (in a circle right behind the trigger guard); four numbers in a square, triangle, circle, and diamond right in front of the trigger guard.

The bore looks great, and the wood and finish are in nice shape.

I saw a lot of samples and this one just seemed like the "right" one.

Thanks again for all of the information.

- Chris

 

[masterg]

Re: What to look for - Springfield 1903A3/Lee Enfield

What a great post! Patton63 is looking for help. The Hide members provide some help. Patton63 gets a rifle and provides the members with the specs on his new purchase.
The only problem is the pictures are missing!!

Congrats on the new rifle. I have been contemplating a 1903 purchase recently. They just don't make 'em like that anymore.

Tim