Took the simulated 03A4 out to the range yesterday. This rifle was made up on a bubba'd '43 Smith Corona barreled action retrofitted into a issue scant stock (thanks Claven2) with a Redfield base and rings carrying a Weaver 330 scope. Bubba had really done a job on the rifle, the holes in the receiver were the least of the miseries he had inflicted on it. In addition to the damage done to the receiver, he had ruined the bolt in an attempt to alter it for a scope, so a bolt salvaged from a PH Midland was installed. The Weaver 330 I have is a commercial scope, not an actual US issue one. Rather than the post reticle used in the sniper scopes, it has fine crosshairs with a dot. For a rather primitive 3/4" diameter 1930s scope, it is bright and clear, and the adjustments worked smoothly. Didn't have any M2 ball or handloaded equivalent, but did have a bag of odds and ends of commercial ammunition. Sorted out the 150 grain loads, mostly Remington. Started the zeroing process at 25 yards, rapidly got the groups centred, 3 shot clusters were nickle sized. At 100, the rifle has no trouble holding 2 minutes. Smooth, good handling rifle. Should be a good rifle for military style fun shoots.
1903A3 and 3/4 tested
- Thread starter tiriaq
- Start date
No surprise...The A3's I have had over the years were all VERY accurate.
The best was a Remington A3 that printed a 0.859 inch group at 100 yds with five shots...that was the last time I shot it as it was in nearly new condition.
The Smith Corona I had would easily print under 1.5 inch at 100.
I hope to get this rifle back soon as it has stayed in the family.
Cheers
