Looking for some advice on 1903A3

[PurdueBandsman]

Hello,
I just recently purchased a 1943 Smith-Corona 1903A3 the other day to add to the WWII collection my father and I are amassing. This is my first rifle of this type that I have owned. All components on the outside are sound and weapon function is flawless. I was attempting to field strip it to inspect the inner components but I am having trouble with the bayonet lug and barrel bands and I wanted to ask opinions before I started poking and prying the bands.
When I loosen the screw for the bayonet lug the lug itself will not slide off the stock(by hand) and hence i cannot get off the front barrel band either. I have googled the crap out of field stripping 1903A`3s but all the information is sub-par at best. If anyone has experience with field stripping these firearms I would greatly appreciate whatever tips you may offer.

Also as a side note, there is some play in the barrel up by where bayonet lug and stock end. From what i have read the only issue may be with accuracy, but safety should not be a concern. An info on this also is appreciated.

Thanks a bunch.

 

[ryknoll3]

Get something non-marring and drift the bayonet lug off.

Here's a video. He covers the front end at about 16:30

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVpS1FxiUTk

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Get something non-marring and drift the bayonet lug off.

Here's a video. He covers the front end at about 16:30

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVpS1FxiUTk

Yep, this ^^^. I've had to do it with Mausers before too. Sometimes they just need a little persuasion.

 

[sloughfoot]

You are going way beyond "field stripping" by removing these parts. This is an armorer's job. It was never intended to be a job done by the soldier to his rifle. In the field or anyplace else.

Having said that, if you insist on taking these parts off to prove something, get an expert's help. You can certainly get them off with a big enough hammer, it's the reinstallation that can be tricky.

Just don't bother taking them off. There is nothing to see under them anyway.

That is my advice.

 

[rob63]

+1 on just leaving it alone. You are risking screwing it up and there isn't really anything to gain.

 

[indyjohn]

Sensible man, that sloughfoot.....

 

[sloughfoot]

Sensible man, that sloughfoot.....

The "Curious George" phase of my life ended up costing me. I consider myself learned now.

I shed actual tears when I read about things like this possibly being done to a fine piece of machinery.

 

[PurdueBandsman]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I'll just let it be and not bother screwing with it.

 

[indyjohn]

The "Curious George" phase of my life ended up costing me. I consider myself learned now.

I shed actual tears when I read about things like this possibly being done to a fine piece of machinery.

I've been chuckling since I wrote it. I knew you'd appreciate the comment.

 

[ryknoll3]

The "Curious George" phase of my life ended up costing me. I consider myself learned now.

I shed actual tears when I read about things like this possibly being done to a fine piece of machinery.

You really think taking the barrel bands off is an "armorer's level" proposition? I know it's not a field strip as per the manual, but there is next to no chance of damaging the rifle is one is careful. It's not like you are beating the thing with sledge hammer. You take a brass or plastic punch and a few light taps will get the band loose and forward. I always take surplus guns down to the action when I get them and get everything cleaned up and lubed. Not a big deal.

 

[indyjohn]

You really think taking the barrel bands off is an "armorer's level" proposition? I know it's not a field strip as per the manual, but there is next to no chance of damaging the rifle is one is careful. It's not like you are beating the thing with sledge hammer. You take a brass or plastic punch and a few light taps will get the band loose and forward. I always take surplus guns down to the action when I get them and get everything cleaned up and lubed. Not a big deal.

Let me remind you that the majority of society is NOT as mechanically capable as you are...