The video opens with a Remington 1903A3 on the firing line. The shooter runs a quick string of shots, noting that the bolt-action still takes some getting used to but cycles surprisingly fast and smoothly. After loading a full magazine on an empty chamber, he empties five rounds in 6.91 seconds. He acknowledges dropping the rifle from the shoulder to work the bolt, explaining that maintaining a shouldered position during cycling is difficult personally, even if some viewers may critique the technique. The focus is on demonstrating how quickly the 1903A3 can be run while keeping the operation reliable and controlled.
A second shooter steps in with the same 1903A3 to compare times. As a left-handed shooter, he explains that he must drop the rifle slightly to run the right-handed bolt efficiently, rather than reaching over the action. This technique takes the rifle off target briefly but feels faster for follow-up shots. He performs his own mag dump and experiences a short-stroke on the bolt, which slows the run. His final time is 10.09 seconds, confirming that the first shooter’s run was faster. Both agree that, regardless of technique or handedness, the 1903A3 rifles cycle smoothly and shoot very well.
The hosts introduce the rifles more formally at Take Aim Range. They are working with surplus Model 1903A3 rifles, describing them as attractive examples of classic American bolt-action design. One rifle on the line is a U.S.-marked Remington 1903A3. The host notes that Remington has a long history and that this pattern was adopted by the U.S. military in June 1903. The specific lot on hand does not come with detailed provenance, but the rifles appear to be in excellent condition. The wood and finish suggest they have been refinished, and the stocks may not be original. Even without full background, the emphasis is on how well these rifles shoot and how good they look on the range.
Alongside the Remington example, the other rifle featured is a Smith-Corona 1903A3. The hosts point out that Smith-Corona was better known for typewriters, similar to how Singer produced sewing machines, illustrating how various manufacturers shifted to arms production during wartime. Both rifles are chambered in .30-06 Springfield, which the hosts describe as a solid, all-American cartridge. They highlight how smooth the actions feel and how consistently the rifles perform during live fire. The refinished appearance is mentioned again, with the caveat that the exact refurbishment history is unknown. The segment underscores that these 1903A3s represent a blend of industrial history and military service.
The discussion turns to the broader history of the 1903 series. After the Spanish-American War, the 1903 design was developed to replace the Krag–Jørgensen rifle. The hosts note that the rifle uses a Mauser-style action and became one of the most iconic American service rifles. They mention that Ernest Hemingway favored this pattern for his African safari, adding a literary connection to its military background. The 1903 and 1903A3 rifles saw combat in World War I, World War II, Korea, and even into the early stages of the Vietnam War before being fully replaced. The long service life is emphasized as part of what makes these rifles historically significant.
Attention shifts to specific markings on the rifles. One barrel is stamped Remington Arms with the ordnance “bursting bomb” and dated June 1944. Another example shows an August 1943 barrel date with the same ordnance marking. These details reinforce the World War II production period of the 1903A3s on the table. The hosts reflect on how picking up and shouldering one of these rifles evokes a sense of connection to past conflicts and to civilian use as a hunting rifle in .30-06. They describe the 1903A3 as a powerful, accurate, and historically rich platform. The segment closes by noting that both Remington and Smith-Corona 1903A3 rifles are available in limited numbers and that they represent enduring pieces of American firearms history.
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