The hosts open a shipment of US Model 1903A3 rifles and lay several examples on the table. The rifles appear to wear 1903A4-style stocks and show signs of being reblued with refinished wood. The darker, likely oil-finished stocks stand out, with attractive grain and clean metalwork. The rear sight aperture mounted at the rear of the receiver confirms these are 1903A3 pattern rifles. While detailed individual histories are unknown, the rifles are consistently described as refurbished 03A3s, with Remington being the primary manufacturer observed at this stage. Overall first impressions focus on the rifles’ visual condition, with emphasis on the quality of the wood and the evenness of the metal finish.
Discussion turns to the 1903’s Mauser-based design and the legal dispute it created. The rifle follows the Mauser pattern closely enough that Mauser sued the US government for patent infringement, leading to payments after World War I. The hosts note that the 1903 series served as a US service rifle, but during World War I it was not the most common rifle in American hands; the Enfield pattern rifle saw wider use. Even so, the 1903 and later 1903A3 remained in service roles, including use by designated marksmen and other specialized shooters. The conversation highlights how the Mauser-style action became one of the strongest and most widely adopted bolt-action designs worldwide.
The hosts explain the 1903A3’s magazine cutoff, an on/off switch that controls how the internal magazine is used. In the “on” position, the bolt travels fully rearward, allowing the follower to rise and feed from the magazine, and preventing the bolt from closing on an empty magazine. In the “off” position, the bolt does not travel far enough to engage the magazine, so the rifle is operated as a single-shot by loading rounds directly while keeping the magazine in reserve. This feature reflects late 19th and early 20th century military thinking, where officers worried that soldiers would waste ammunition if allowed to fire rapidly from a full magazine. Similar cutoffs appeared on earlier rifles like the Krag–Jørgensen, intended to conserve ammunition until ordered otherwise.
As more rifles are unwrapped, the hosts identify examples made by Smith-Corona alongside Remington rifles. Receiver markings clearly show the Smith-Corona name, illustrating how non-traditional arms makers entered rifle production during wartime. The conversation broadens to note that many companies known for typewriters, jukeboxes, sewing machines, adding machines, and other civilian products shifted to firearms or ordnance manufacturing during the war effort. This includes firms like International Business Machines producing components. The hosts find these crossover manufacturers particularly interesting, viewing Smith-Corona–marked 1903A3 rifles as a way to recognize the broader industrial mobilization that supported US forces.
The rifles on the table show barrel markings such as “Remington Arms” with dates like April 1944 and 1943, indicating late-war production. One barrel is noted as May 1944. A small bursting bomb mark near the muzzle is identified as the US Ordnance Department acceptance stamp, confirming inspection and approval of the barrel. The hosts also point out the classic Mauser-style three-position safety on the 1903A3. In the “ready” or fire position, the safety lever is to one side. Rotated straight up, it blocks the sights but still allows the bolt to operate. Rotated fully to the opposite side, it places the rifle on safe and locks the bolt closed. These features reinforce the rifle’s Mauser heritage and its standardized US military inspection process.
Close inspection of the wood shows strong grain patterns and clean finishes, suggesting the rifles have been restocked and refinished. The absence of original stock cartouches or inspection stamps supports this conclusion. Most barrels observed are dated 1944, with at least one 1943 example, and both Remington and Smith-Corona receivers appear in the batch. The metal and bores are described as looking excellent, with only minor wear near some muzzles, possibly from handling or transport. The hosts characterize these rifles as ideal shooters rather than high-end collector pieces, given the refinishing and replacement stocks. They note that a Smith-Corona receiver has particular appeal for those interested in wartime industrial history, while matching Remington components may interest others. Overall, the rifles are presented as attractive, functional .30-06 bolt actions suitable for regular range use and display.
After covering the 1903A3 rifles, the hosts briefly shift to another bolt-action platform: a Christensen Arms Traverse chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum. The rifle is equipped with a Leupold VX-3 optic, Steiner scope rings, and an Accu-Tac-style bipod, forming a modern precision setup. It is being offered as a giveaway in collaboration with Lunkers TV, who has produced a video featuring the rifle. Viewers are encouraged to watch that content and the store’s announcement video for details on how to enter. The segment contrasts the classic .30-06 1903A3 service rifles with a contemporary lightweight, long-range hunting and precision rifle in a similar power class, highlighting the evolution of bolt-action platforms.
The video concludes with a final overview of the refurbished US Model 1903A3 rifles. All examples shown are chambered in .30-06 Springfield and share similar overall condition, with refinished stocks, clean receivers, and smooth bolt operation. Minor cosmetic wear is limited and does not appear to affect function. The hosts reiterate that these rifles are better suited as shooters and display pieces than as top-tier collector items, due to restocking and refinishing, but emphasize their visual appeal and historical interest. They suggest that every collection benefits from a classic bolt-action like the 1903A3, both for range use and as a conversation piece on the wall. The video ends with a reminder to explore the available 1903A3 inventory and the ongoing Christensen Arms Traverse giveaway.
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