Overview

The National Ordnance 1903A3 is a post–World War II reproduction of the U.S. military’s famed Springfield M1903A3 rifle, chambered in .30-06 Springfield. Produced in the 1960s–70s by National Ordnance in California, these rifles were assembled primarily from surplus U.S. military parts combined with newly manufactured receivers. While not considered collectible like original Remington or Smith-Corona 1903A3s, they remain solid shooters and an affordable way to own a piece of military-style history.

Specifications

Manufacturer: National Ordnance, Inc. (South El Monte, CA)

Model: 1903A3 (Springfield pattern)

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action: Bolt-action, cock-on-open design

Capacity: 5-round internal magazine (stripper-clip fed, hinged floorplate)

Barrel Length: 24″ (typical military contour barrel; many sourced from surplus U.S. stock)

Overall Length: ~43.3″

Weight: ~8.5–9 lbs unloaded

Stock: Full-length walnut or hardwood military-style stock with upper handguard

Finish: Parkerized or blued receiver and barrel

Sights: Rear aperture (peep) sight adjustable for elevation and windage; blade front sight with protective wings

Bayonet Lug: Standard A3-style barrel band with lug for bayonet mounting

Design & Features

Receiver: Cast receiver manufactured by National Ordnance, marked with company logo and serial number; designed to replicate the 1903A3’s military receiver.

Parts Mix: Often assembled with surplus Remington, Smith-Corona, or U.S. Government Issue (USGI) parts for bolts, barrels, triggers, and stocks.

Bolt: Dual-lug, cock-on-open design, one of the strongest and most proven bolt-action systems of the 20th century.

Magazine System: 5-round internal magazine, loaded either via single rounds or with stripper clips through the top of the action.

Trigger: Two-stage military trigger, generally breaking around 4–5 lbs.

Sling Mounts: Equipped with front and rear swivels for military-style sling use.

Performance

Accuracy: With a good barrel, these rifles are capable of 2–3 MOA accuracy, more than adequate for hunting and recreational target shooting.

Recoil: Typical of the .30-06 cartridge—moderate to heavy recoil, mitigated somewhat by the rifle’s 9-lb weight.

Durability: Surplus U.S. military parts are generally rugged; cast receivers are less collectible but typically reliable for standard loads.

Use Cases

Historical Shooter: Offers the look, feel, and handling of a WWII-era Springfield 1903A3 without the collector’s price tag.

Hunting: The powerful .30-06 cartridge makes it suitable for deer, elk, and other large North American game.

Range Use: Great for those interested in vintage military rifles and bolt-action marksmanship.

Collectors on a Budget: Provides a piece of 1903A3 history, though value is mostly in utility rather than collectible investment.