Our Most American Unboxing Yet (1903A3 Rifles)

Unboxing 1903A3 Rifles and Historical Design Overview

The video opens with an unboxing of 1903A3 rifles, likely Remington-made, pulled from shipping boxes and laid out on the table. The hosts immediately note the A4-style stocks and the overall refurbished nature of these guns, pointing out reblued metal and dark, oil-finished replacement wood. They identify the rifles as 03A3s by the rear aperture sight mounted on the receiver rather than a barrel-mounted sight. The discussion turns to the 1903A3’s Mauser-pattern design, explaining that the U.S. government was sued by Mauser for patent infringement and ultimately paid royalties. The hosts demonstrate the magazine cutoff lever, showing how it can be set to allow the bolt to cycle without feeding from the magazine, reflecting early 20th-century officers’ distrust of soldiers wasting ammunition. They reference the Krag–Jørgensen’s similar feature and touch on the 1903’s World War I service, noting that the Enfield pattern rifle actually saw wider frontline use while the 1903 continued in roles such as marksman and specialty rifles.

Kershaw Launch 4 Feature and Smith-Corona 1903A3s

Attention briefly shifts to an everyday carry option, the Kershaw Launch 4. The hosts describe it as a compact, spring-assisted knife with roughly a 1.5–2 inch blade and a push-button opening mechanism, positioning it as a practical EDC piece. The video then returns to the 1903A3s, introducing a clearly marked Smith-Corona receiver and emphasizing how non-firearms companies were pulled into wartime production. They describe how firms known for typewriters, jukeboxes, and adding machines converted their factories to build rifles for the war effort. The conversation broadens to the global influence of the Mauser K98-style bolt action, highlighting its strength, reliability, and widespread adoption. Another Smith-Corona rifle is examined, this one fitted with a Remington Arms barrel dated April 1944. The hosts point out the U.S. Ordnance “bursting bomb” marking near the muzzle, using it to illustrate wartime inspection and acceptance standards on these refurbished rifles.

Barrel Markings, Mauser Safety, and Receiver Preferences

The middle portion of the video focuses on detailed inspection of the 1903A3 rifles. Most barrels are Remington Arms examples dated 1944, with at least one 1943 barrel in the mix. The hosts repeatedly highlight the U.S. Ordnance Department bursting bomb acceptance mark, explaining its role as a government proof of quality. They note the lack of original stock cartouches and inspector stamps, interpreting this as evidence that the rifles have been restocked with new furniture. The Mauser-style three-position safety is demonstrated, with markings for “ready” and “safe.” In the vertical position, the safety blocks the shooter’s view of the sights while still allowing the bolt to be cycled; in the full safe position, it locks the bolt entirely. The magazine cutoff is mentioned again as part of the rifle’s control layout. Discussion turns to personal preferences between Remington and Smith-Corona receivers, with particular appreciation for the historical novelty of a typewriter company like Smith-Corona contributing to the World War II arms program.

Shooter vs. Collector Value and Christensen Arms Giveaway

In the closing segment, the hosts emphasize the excellent overall condition of the 1903A3 rifles. They praise the phenomenal grain and finish of the replacement stocks, the clean receivers, and the smooth bolt actuation, while noting only minor wear near some muzzles. Because the rifles appear to be restocked and refinished, they are described as somewhat lower on the collector scale but ideal as shooters and attractive display pieces that can spark conversation in a collection or on the wall. The video then transitions to a promotion for a Christensen Arms Traverse chambered in .300 Win Mag. The giveaway rifle is outfitted with a Leupold VX-3 optic, an Accu-Tac-style bipod, and Steiner optic rings, forming a premium long-range package. Viewers are encouraged to watch a related Lunkers TV video, check out the hosts’ own announcement, enter the giveaway, and visit ClassicFirearms.com to see the available 1903A3 rifles in .30-06 before the video signs off.