1903A3 Smith Corona

[wctriumph]

Well, finally got her out to shoot and wow, this is a great rifle. Shooting off hand in the wind with mil-surp ammo, I put eight of eight into a 5 gallon steel pail at 100 paces and 6 out of eight at 150 paces. Next time I will go to a actual range and see what she will do on paper. One issue I had is that the hood over the front sight tends to obscure the target somewhat. I think a little more time with her and I can overcome this issue. I waited a long time to get one of these and I got a good one, a great one. This SC 1903A3 is a keeper, I don't see myself ever selling or trading this wonderful historical battle rifle. YES!!!

Worked out a trade for this a couple of weeks ago. Receive dates to 1943 and barrel date matches. I have always wanted one and she looks good next to my M1. After things settle down a bit I will need to find a 1917 to add to my old school military collection.

24585

OK, so what I have learned so far. I disassembled the rifle and I have been able to determine that the stock is indeed a Smith-Corona marked stock and the hand guard is not marked which, according the book I have and online sources, is consistent with Smith-Corona. The coloring, machine marks and wear all indicate to me that the stock and hand guard belong together. The magazine/floor plate/trigger guard are S-C as are the barrel bands. The front sight cover and bolt are Remington. The trigger parts are all S-C and so is the Butt plate. There is the plastic cleaning tube in the butt with the jag, brush, weighted cord in one end and some small amount of really smelly oil in the other end. The sling is a reproduction Kerr item and really is a pretty cool sling. The rifle has been refurbished at the arsenal in Utah as pointed out in a reply below and from what I can tell the receiver and barrel are original to each other, both dating to 1943. The barrel is four groove and shiny without pits although the rifling looks shallow to me. The lands and grooves do look sharp but I am far from an expert and this is first one I have ever examined close up. I hope to get out to the range at some point and see how she shoots. As funds permit I will install a replica leather sling and a proper bayonet, the CMP has some at reasonable prices.

Thanks to all that have provided information and I truly enjoyed the help and comments from the community here.

[Zombie Steve]

Damn, I want one of these. Congrats.

[zteknik]

Nice!!
I never saw one with a scant grip stock.My S.C. has a full c stock.
They shoot as good as they look!Enjoy!![Beer]

[sneakerd]

Nice one- the Kerr sling adds a nice touch as well.

[Blockhead]

Nice!!
I never saw one with a scant grip stock.My S.C. has a full c stock.


That's a straight stock, not a scant stock.

Great looking rifle. Can you tell me if the cut out for the barrel band spring is squared on the front or rounded?

[StagLefty]

That's a straight stock, not a scant stock.

Great looking rifle. Can you tell me if the cut out for the barrel band spring is squared on the front or rounded?

Curious since I have the same rifle. What does the barrel band square or round mean ?

[Blockhead]

Curious since I have the same rifle. What does the barrel band square or round mean ?

It's one difference between a Smith Corona stock and a Remington stock. Be careful to look at the cut out in the wood, and not the band spring itself.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/Blockhead_75/March%202013/03a3rascslots_zps55067acc.jpg

[jreifsch80]

mice mauser ;) (technically it is haha)

[wctriumph]

That's a straight stock, not a scant stock.

Great looking rifle. Can you tell me if the cut out for the barrel band spring is squared on the front or rounded?

I have been reading the book pictured with the A3 and I will be stripping her down this weekend for a thorough cleaning and to see what is still original and what has been replaced. I am sure that there has been refurbishment at some point (or two) along the line. I will get her out to the range in another week or two and put some surplus Govt '06 through her. Now I need to save up and get a proper sling and bayonet.

[Blockhead]

I have been reading the book pictured with the A3 and I will be stripping her down this weekend for a thorough cleaning and to see what is still original and what has been replaced. I am sure that there has been refurbishment at some point (or two) along the line. I will get her out to the range in another week or two and put some surplus Govt '06 through her. Now I need to save up and get a proper sling and bayonet.

Either an M1905 or M1 bayonet would be correct for that rifle. I have some excellent USGI web slings if you need one ($15).

Do you see any rebuild marks on it? And what is the barrel marked? If you post pics of the bottom of your trigger housing I can tell you if it's SC.

[StagLefty]

It's one difference between a Smith Corona stock and a Remington stock. Be careful to look at the cut out in the wood, and not the band spring itself.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/Blockhead_75/March%202013/03a3rascslots_zps55067acc.jpg

mmm I may have a SC receiver in a Remington stock ?

[wctriumph]

Here are some more photos. These are Cartouches on the stock. At the barrel band the right side is tapered in towards the band and the left side is pretty sharp edged. The stock is rough with manufacture tooling marks which I presume to be war time make 'em quick manufacturing processes. The front sight hood has a R mark on the right side and the bolt has a R mark on the underside of the handle and on the extractor. The barrel is proofed and marked SC, 4-43 which matches the receiver date of 1943.

I have not tried to detail everything by the book yet and I intend to de-stock her tomorrow and make sure every thing is clean and oiled. thanks for the responses and info, I'll take all the education I can get on this rifle.

[zteknik]

Is it possible it could be a rework/reissue ww1 stock?

[zteknik]

Looks like the markings are correct for it.

S/N 3,100,001 - end of production.
These were used on the M1903 Modified, M1903a3, and M1903a4.
Remington used at least 3 different Ordnance Wheels.

"RA" was stamped on the stocks after Smith-Corona began production of M1903a3 Rifles, late 1942.

From here- http://www.trfindley.com/pgsnstmps03.html
Good info.

[wctriumph]

Is it possible it could be a rework/reissue ww1 stock?

The WWI 1903 rifle and stocks are significantly different than the 1903A3 rifle. The stock is correct for the period but finding a completely original 1903 or A3 is rare. Almost all 1903 and variants have been refurbished by the armories at some point in their life. I am far from an expert but I want to learn as much as I can and this rifle I have is a great tool for that.

[zteknik]

The WWI 1903 rifle and stocks are significantly different than the 1903A3 rifle. The stock is correct for the period but finding a completely original 1903 or A3 is rare. Almost all 1903 and variants have been refurbished by the armories at some point in their life. I am far from an expert but I want to learn as much as I can and this rifle I have is a great tool for that.

True,I just was looking around a bit and found some info on it.
That is the great fun of some of these old warhorses,trying o trace down history and learning about what they did.
Personaly I value the refurbs and re issues more than a never issued piece.Only if they can talk..

[wctriumph]

I have wanted one of these for a very long time. I am not looking for a original issue, just a good solid shooter that I can have some fun with. Perhaps when I can take more time and have a little more "disposable" income I may take this A3 and my M1 and enter a vintage rifle competition. I still want to find a nice 1917 so I have rifles from WWI, WWII and Korea. All in .30-06.

[zteknik]

I have wanted one of these for a very long time. I am not looking for a original issue, just a good solid shooter that I can have some fun with. Perhaps when I can take more time and have a little more "disposable" income I may take this A3 and my M1 and enter a vintage rifle competition. I still want to find a nice 1917 so I have rifles from WWI, WWII and Korea. All in .30-06.

They are fun to shoot.My S.C. is the one I shoot most the time,I just wish i was as good as the rifle!The P17 is verry good shooter as well.Amust have in the collection.Their not sought after as much,nor given the credit they deserve.Still fairly cheap to come by.I picked up a pair many years ago at Numrich Arms-GunParts Corp. back when I lived in NY that were scrubbed of most their markings for $89 a piece.Nothing wrong with them,nice crisp bores and they were painted but it was a bargain for any '06.I sold one years ago and the other I need to fix the rear ladder sight.

Another great one is the Belgian FN49 in '06.Their getting a bit pricy and harder to find nowadays..

[Blockhead]

From your pics, it looks like your trigger guard is Smith Corona and probably your stock too (still want to know if the cut out for the band spring is rounded or squared on the end). Also, that rifle (or at least the stock) was reworked at Ogden Arsenal in Utah, hence the "OG" mark. OG in a square means that the inspector at the time was Elmer Keith - very cool.

See any markings on your bolt assembly?

[StagLefty]

Great info !! In the 2nd pic I have an RA stamp in the stock so it looks like I do have a Remington stock ?

[Blockhead]

Great info !! In the 2nd pic I have an RA stamp in the stock so it looks like I do have a Remington stock ?
Probably. Is it just "RA" or is is "RA-(another letter)"?

[spleify]

Very nice!

[StagLefty]

Probably. Is it just "RA" or is is "RA-(another letter)"?

Just RA.

[wctriumph]

OK, so what I have learned so far. I disassembled the rifle and I have been able to determine that the stock is indeed a Smith-Corona marked stock and the hand guard is not marked which, according the book I have and online sources, is consistent with Smith-Corona. The coloring, machine marks and wear all indicate to me that the stock and hand guard belong together. The magazine/floor plate/trigger guard are S-C as are the barrel bands. The front sight cover and bolt are Remington. The trigger parts are all S-C and so is the Butt plate. There is the plastic cleaning tube in the butt with the jag, brush, weighted cord in one end and some small amount of really smelly oil in the other end. The sling is a reproduction Kerr item and really is a pretty cool sling. The rifle has been refurbished at the arsenal in Utah as pointed out in a reply below and from what I can tell the receiver and barrel are original to each other, both dating to 1943. The barrel is four groove and shiny without pits although the rifling looks shallow to me. The lands and grooves do look sharp but I am far from an expert and this is first one I have ever examined close up. I hope to get out to the range at some point and see how she shoots. As funds permit I will install (http://www.ar-15.co/#) a replica leather sling and a proper bayonet, the CMP has some at reasonable prices.

Thanks to all that have provided information and I truly enjoyed the help and comments from the community here.

[wctriumph]

One more thing, I think that I would like to clean the stock up a bit. I don't want to do any sanding or anything like that, I want to clean off some of the embedded grunge that these older rifles sometimes have. There is not a whole lot of it but I want to make it a little better than it is.

Suggestions? I looked on line and some of the recipes are pretty outrageous to say the least. I am not putting it in a dishwasher, I just want to remove some surface dirt.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

[StagLefty]

^ Try some Liquid Gold for a cleaning rubdown.

[zteknik]

I use Murphy's wood soap and hot water with a not too stiff bristle brush,more like a scrub brush one would use for fingernails.
Then apply lquid gold or any kind of wood conditioner afterwards.

[wctriumph]

Excellent suggestions guys, exactly what my wife suggested. now she knows more than me about caring for my guns!

[zteknik]

Excellent suggestions guys, exactly what my wife suggested. now she knows more than me about caring for my guns!

Lol!
The wive's do know wood...[Coffee]

[StagLefty]

Lol!
The wive's do know wood...[Coffee]

[ROFL2][ROFL3]

[wctriumph]

Lol!
The wive's do know wood...[Coffee]

[ROFL1][ROFL3][Beer]

[Blockhead]

The dishwasher method is a very drastic move in my experience. Expect it to wash away any cool patina. Instead take the advice and wipe down with warm water with Murphy oil soap. Don't scrub too hard. Refresh with Tung oil of Boiled Linseed Oil (BLO).

[rondog]

You'll want 100% Pure Tung Oil, NOT anything that says " Tung Oil Finish"! Not the same stuff. PTO will refresh the wood and not stay sticky or change the color. BLO will darken with age. You can get PTO at Rockler's Woodworking Supply, on Colorado at Evans, I think it is. Google 'em.

[wctriumph]

You'll want 100% Pure Tung Oil, NOT anything that says " Tung Oil Finish"! Not the same stuff. PTO will refresh the wood and not stay sticky or change the color. BLO will darken with age. You can get PTO at Rockler's Woodworking Supply, on Colorado at Evans, I think it is. Google 'em.

I have both Pure Tung Oil and Boiled Linseed Oil. Wipe it on with a rag or use a paint brush?

[rondog]

I have both Pure Tung Oil and Boiled Linseed Oil. Wipe it on with a rag or use a paint brush?

Whatever blows your dress up, I reckon. I just use my hands and rub it in. Let it soak for a little while, making sure it stays wet and doesn't start drying, then wipe off the excess using paper shop towels. If you leave the stuff on and it starts drying, then you'll have a sticky mess. I'd recommend separating the action from the wood first.

[Blockhead]

Whatever blows your dress up, I reckon. I just use my hands and rub it in. Let it soak for a little while, making sure it stays wet and doesn't start drying, then wipe off the excess using paper shop towels. If you leave the stuff on and it starts drying, then you'll have a sticky mess. I'd recommend separating the action from the wood first.

This is how I do it too.

[wctriumph]

Excellent tip guys. When I removed the stock there were some small areas that had the cosmoline still there. I will work on cleaning it up next weekend.

Thanks again.

[Beer]

[akguy1985]

gorgeous rifle, man let us know how the cleaning goes. maybe even post a pic or two....

[wctriumph]

gorgeous rifle, man let us know how the cleaning goes. maybe even post a pic or two....


Thanks for the kind words, will do.

[Aloha_Shooter]

I've done the dishwasher method with a couple Garand stocks. It raised the wood grain a little but didn't hurt the stock otherwise and really got rid of the cosmoline but I wouldn't do it with a 1903 stock. As far as applying Tung Oil or BLO, I use 0000 steel wool in very small circles.

[zteknik]

I've done the dishwasher method with a couple Garand stocks. It raised the wood grain a little but didn't hurt the stock otherwise and really got rid of the cosmoline but I wouldn't do it with a 1903 stock. As far as applying Tung Oil or BLO, I use 0000 steel wool in very small circles.

Never tried the dishwasher method myself,but I would think if it does raise up the wood grain it also may distort the cartouches.
I might try that method on a few beater stocks and smooth up afterwards with steel wool.

[wctriumph]

Well, finally got her out to shoot and wow, this is a great rifle. Shooting off hand in the wind with mil-surp ammo, I put eight of eight into a 5 gallon steel pail at 100 paces and 6 out of eight at 150 paces. Next time I will go to a actual range and see what she will do on paper. One issue I had is that the hood over the front sight tends to obscure the target somewhat. I think a little more time with her and I can overcome this issue. I waited a long time to get one of these and I got a good one, a great one. This SC 1903A3 is a keeper, I don't see myself ever selling or trading (http://www.ar-15.co/#) this wonderful historical battle rifle. YES!!!

[StagLefty]

^ What ammo did you use ?

[Blockhead]

Well, finally got her out to shoot and wow, this is a great rifle. Shooting off hand in the wind with mil-surp ammo, I put eight of eight into a 5 gallon steel pail at 100 paces and 6 out of eight at 150 paces. Next time I will go to a actual range and see what she will do on paper. One issue I had is that the hood over the front sight tends to obscure the target somewhat. I think a little more time with her and I can overcome this issue. I waited a long time to get one of these and I got a good one, a great one. This SC 1903A3 is a keeper, I don't see myself ever selling or trading (http://www.ar-15.co/#) this wonderful historical battle rifle. YES!!!

Take the hood off. I've heard experts claim that those hoods were only intended to be used for protecting the front sight blade during shipping. However, this wasn't always the case because I seen at least one picture in combat where the hood was on the rifle. The Marines had a larger sized hood, so maybe they built them that way for shooting.

[wctriumph]

Take the hood off. I've heard experts claim that those hoods were only intended to be used for protecting the front sight blade during shipping. However, this wasn't always the case because I seen at least one picture in combat where the hood was on the rifle. The Marines had a larger sized hood, so maybe they built them that way for shooting.

I thought about taking the hood off, most likely will before I take her out again.

As far as ammo, I am using mil-surp .30-06, 150 gr FMJ, purchased from CMP about 3 years ago for my Garand, it came 192 rounds on enbloc clips in bandoleers in a can. I also have another 250 rounds in a can on a metallic belt I purchased two years ago from MidwayUSA on a clearance deal. After I pay for my lower from Double D I will save up another $120 and pick up a 200 round can from CMP.

[Troublco]

That CMP ammo in the 192 round cans, if my guess is correct, is headstamped HXP. It's Greek surplus for the Garands they had. It is awesome stuff, near match quality usually. Last time I took one of my 1903's out I used some that I ordered when I bought my H&R M1 from the CMP, and it shot beautifully. I just bought 3 cans a couple months ago, think I'll order a couple more before I get done on this deployment.

BRP guns has the Marine front sight covers, but they're $70! No thanks...

[wctriumph]

That CMP ammo in the 192 round cans, if my guess is correct, is headstamped HXP. It's Greek surplus for the Garands they had. It is awesome stuff, near match quality usually. Last time I took one of my 1903's out I used some that I ordered when I bought my H&R M1 from the CMP, and it shot beautifully. I just bought 3 cans a couple months ago, think I'll order a couple more before I get done on this deployment.

BRP guns has the Marine front sight covers, but they're $70! No thanks...


The ammo shoots fantastic in my M1 and the A3. I have the can of 250 rounds milsurp that is linked with metal links. I can't really use the links since I don't have a 1919 and I will eventually de-link the cartridges, is there any value on these links other than for display?

[zteknik]

The ammo shoots fantastic in my M1 and the A3. I have the can of 250 rounds milsurp that is linked with metal links. I can't really use the links since I don't have a 1919 and I will eventually de-link the cartridges, is there any value on these links other than for display?

Post the links up in the TP. I believe there's a few guys here that run a 1919

[Troublco]

I've done the dishwasher method with a couple Garand stocks. It raised the wood grain a little but didn't hurt the stock otherwise and really got rid of the cosmoline but I wouldn't do it with a 1903 stock. As far as applying Tung Oil or BLO, I use 0000 steel wool in very small circles.


Never tried the dishwasher method myself,but I would think if it does raise up the wood grain it also may distort the cartouches.
I might try that method on a few beater stocks and smooth up afterwards with steel wool.

Didn't notice this part last time...

If your stock doesn't have any cartouches, is beat up to the point that it's almost a boat paddle, that sort of thing; I'd consider the dishwasher method (as long as you're sure the wife isn't anywhere in the near vicinity...like within a couple of states) but if the gun has any value, like the stock has the proper cartouches, serial #'d to the gun, has any distinguishing characteristics like distinguishable unit markings, or is just the correct, original to the gun stock; then I'd try another method to clean it up. Something much less...total. Refinishing a stock, say for example if your gun is an unmolested example (For instance, a 1911 production 1903 with the original barrel and stock) has a big effect on its value. If you're doing the stock on a mixmaster Garand and the stock has been sanded and has no cartouches or marks, that's not such a big deal. I have also heard of (and seen the results from) using Bon Ami to degrease gun stocks, and they come out looking good. My favorite method is to wrap the stock in paper towels, put it in an extra-thick black plastic trash bag, and put it out in the sun to bake for a while, until I'm happy with how much oil is still coming out of the wood (or isn't), changing paper towels occasionally.

First centerfire rifle I ever bought was a very nice 96 Swede that I promptly refinished the stock on. To do this, I had to scrape off the nice little yellow sticker (What's this? Hell, I can't read it. Take it off!) that turned out to be a correction chart for ammo; I've only seen a few others with that item intact. Now that very nice, unmolested, matching number Swedes are harder to find that probably cut the value of the gun in half since that's what it was, at least until I had at it. That's the first, and last, time I ever did that. Now if I want to do something to one I'll get myself another stock, and that way I can always put the gun back into its original stock if I want to.

[wctriumph]

I de-stocked the rifle before shooting her and there were some cosmoline deposits inside. Not a lot, looks to be what might be leftover from a good external external cleaning of the rifle and it cleaned out easily. The cartouches are all correct for the rifle and as noted earlier, it has the Ogden, UT arsenal mark that means it was refurbished.

I have not done any stock cleaning other than a soft cloth with warm water with a little Dawn. This removed a little surface dirt and than I wiped her down with linseed oil and another rubbing with a soft cloth. No abrasives of any kind were used. It still has some patina and you can easily see the war time production tooling marks in the wood. Although impossible to tell, it is most likely in that refurbished condition and not modified since that time hence the sight hood still being intact.

The guy I received it from was a collector and he told me that he had several at one time but decided that he had way too many and sold most of them. This was one of four he kept because it was such a nice example but in the end he kept three: a Springfield 1903 from 1917, a Springfield 1903 National Match and a Remington 1903A3 from 1942, all in factory original issue condition. He has a original WWII sniper scope (as used by the Marines) in as issued condition and is always looking for the proper rifle to attach it to. He sold me this one because he had never shot it and after talking with me felt I was a good guy and would give it an appreciative home. As I said earlier, I can't ever see myself selling or trading this one, it is a keeper.

It has also been a great learning experience. Now to start saving the $$ for a similar condition 1917 Eddystone at a reasonable price. Still a ways off for that one I am afraid.

[Skip]

Google images brought me to this thread searching on S-C M1903A3 markings. Pretty cool!!!

[Skip]

Getting all my correct-ish parts together. Stock is RA so I'm not being too picky about the hardware other than trying to get it to match (what was on was no where near right).

Got to do something really cool yesterday...

https://imgur.com/7oYKldt.jpg
https://imgur.com/cQCX3en.jpg
https://imgur.com/q3C3r5H.jpg
https://imgur.com/Ktd27Dz.jpg
https://imgur.com/8GBLn4b.jpg

[zteknik]

Nice goodies wrapped in cosmo :D

[wctriumph]

Sweet.

[Skip]

Moar!!! Getting closer, all I need is a rear swivel and some screws (on their way).

https://imgur.com/3fyQt2a.jpg

https://imgur.com/mLpchK4.jpg

Fresh out of the oven and looking good for ~75 years old...

https://imgur.com/YG5nxLV.jpg

[zteknik]

Sweet!! if I would have known you were in need of a swivel and screws, I would have sent you one- providing I can remember where I put them..

[Skip]

Sweet!! if I would have known you were in need of a swivel and screws, I would have sent you one- providing I can remember where I put them..

I appreciate the offer!!!

It has been fun to track everything down and learn about the changes in parts/manufacturing during the war years. I have the Brophy book, and it is helpful and interesting but seeing everything in real life is far more fun.

[zteknik]

I appreciate the offer!!!

It has been fun to track everything down and learn about the changes in parts/manufacturing during the war years. I have the Brophy book, and it is helpful and interesting but seeing everything in real life is far more fun.
Anytime, yup the most fun I had was scouring the gun shows (when they actually had guns and parts) and finding what I was looking for in box's of random parts. And when I lived in N.Y. I use to go to Numrich Arms frequently. One of the guys that worked there was in the same reserve unit as I was and always let me know when new stuff came in ;)
Yea the Brophy's book is the bible as far as 03's go. One of the most used reference book I have.

[Skip]

Anytime, yup the most fun I had was scouring the gun shows (when they actually had guns and parts) and finding what I was looking for in box's of random parts. And when I lived in N.Y. I use to go to Numrich Arms frequently. One of the guys that worked there was in the same reserve unit as I was and always let me know when new stuff came in ;)
Yea the Brophy's book is the bible as far as 03's go. One of the most used reference book I have.

Numrich is awesome! Their site could use better pics but the descriptions are accurate if you know what you're looking for. A few of these screws came from Numrich along with that rear swivel.

I think my work is complete!

Really took my time cleaning and oiling the stock up. Bore is like glass and appears to be the original barreling. Bolt and parts are correct except extractor appears to be Springfield. Faint FJA stamp on the Rem A3 stock, all hardware south of the action is Rem. Trigger and sear are unmarked which could be S-C.

Started on the 4th and got her together over the weekend.

https://imgur.com/WjHC2rX.jpg
https://imgur.com/WzjSSXg.jpg
https://imgur.com/2UOwC3U.jpg
https://imgur.com/vPzr3r5.jpg

[zteknik]

Came out great! [Beer]
Now you have to take her out to the range and have some fun!

[wctriumph]

Nice job on that one, you have a rifle to be proud of. If you ever want to come north to the Baker Draw range, I am available on a Sunday or possible a Monday, I'll bring mine and we can do a little shooting!

[zteknik]

Nice job on that one, you have a rifle to be proud of. If you ever want to come north to the Baker Draw range, I am available on a Sunday or possible a Monday, I'll bring mine and we can do a little shooting!
Heck, I might just want to make the trip up and bring mine as well! Can make it an unofficial '03 shoot ;)

[wctriumph]

Heck, I might just want to make the trip up and bring mine as well! Can make it an unofficial '03 shoot ;)

I'm good if no rain.

[zteknik]

I'm good if no rain.
I'll have to see when I would be able to make it. I'll be sure to give you a shout when I'm able to ;)
Be fun to blow some dust out of the old barrel :)

[wctriumph]

I'll have to see when I would be able to make it. I'll be sure to give you a shout when I'm able to ;)
Be fun to blow some dust out of the old barrel :)

You bet. Just to let you know, if it rains within two days of Sunday, the place can be a muddy mess. I don't mind the heat, the 100 yard range has shade.

[zteknik]

You bet. Just to let you know, if it rains within two days of Sunday, the place can be a muddy mess. I don't mind the heat, the 100 yard range has shade.
That's so true. The last time I was there I was peeling mud off my boots for a week.