First Shots and Fast Cycling Impressions
The video opens on the range with the hosts running a Remington 1903A3. One of them admits he’s still getting used to bolt-action rifles, but is immediately impressed by how quick and smooth this one feels in live fire. He comments that the rifle is actually faster than he is, and that it’s an awesome shooter. He then explains that these 03A3 rifles are not only beautiful but also very capable on the range. After watching his co-host run the gun at speed, he decides he wants to challenge himself and see if he can beat that performance. Because his co-host is left-handed and has to work a right-handed bolt from the opposite side, he notes that the left-handed shooter is already at a disadvantage, which makes his performance even more impressive. To test himself, he sets up a timed drill starting with a full five-round magazine and an empty chamber, planning to fire all five shots as quickly as he can. He runs the drill and ends up with a time of 6.91 seconds for five rounds. Anticipating criticism, he explains that he drops the rifle from his shoulder to run the bolt because he struggles to keep it shouldered while cycling the action quickly, and that this method simply works better for him.
Left-Handed Shooting Challenge and Timed Drill
Next, the focus shifts to the left-handed shooter taking his turn with the 1903A3. He references the previous run, noting that his partner’s time was actually pretty quick. As a left-handed shooter running a right-handed bolt, he explains that he has to drop the rifle slightly to work the action efficiently. He could try to reach over the top of the rifle to manipulate the bolt, but he finds it faster to lower the gun a bit, even though that means coming off target between shots. He believes this technique still allows him to get back on target quickly for follow-up shots. He then runs his own timed string, again starting with a full magazine and an empty chamber. During the drill he briefly short-strokes the bolt, which costs him some time, and he shrugs it off as something that just happens. His final time is 10.09 seconds, so his partner clearly beats him on speed. Both shooters agree, however, that these 03A3 rifles handle and shoot very well, and they encourage viewers to check them out.
Introduction to Surplus 1903A3 Rifles at Take Aim Range
After the range segment, the video transitions to the showroom at Take Aim Range, where the hosts stand in front of a rack of surplus Model 1903A3 rifles. Clint introduces himself from Classic Firearms and is joined by Alec. They describe the rifles as gorgeous, beautiful, and very attractive surplus examples. The rifle Clint is holding is marked with a U.S. Remington stamp on the receiver, which he points out as a desirable feature. He notes that Remington has been around for a long time and that these rifles were adopted by the U.S. military in June of 1903. This particular batch of rifles doesn’t come with a lot of documented background, so he focuses on what can be seen: they are handsome rifles that appear to have been refinished, and the stocks may not be original. He acknowledges that many viewers on the internet probably know more about the fine details than he does, but from his perspective they are great-shooting, good-looking rifles. Alec chimes in that he loves them as well, and they both emphasize how effective the .30-06 cartridge is in this platform.
Remington and Smith-Corona Variants and Wartime Production
The hosts then highlight that not all of the rifles in the rack are Remingtons. The one Alec is holding is marked Smith-Corona, and they mention that they have several of those in this lot as well. Clint explains that Smith-Corona was originally known as a typewriter manufacturer, similar to how Singer was known for sewing machines, and that both companies shifted to arms production during the war. This serves as a springboard to talk about how broad the American industrial effort was during wartime, with many civilian manufacturers turning their factories over to military contracts. Even though some of these rifles show signs of refinishing or replacement stocks, the hosts stress that they remain authentic U.S. service rifles built on a strong, smooth Mauser-type action and chambered in .30-06 Springfield. They present them as historically significant firearms that still make excellent shooters for the range or for hunting, and they encourage viewers to appreciate both their performance and their connection to World War II–era production.
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