Springfield 1903 A1 U.S. Service Rifle…….SOLD
Created on December 7th 2011
An excellent inter-war years 1903 Bolt Action Rifle with Pistol Grip Stock.
A very attractively stocked 1903 A1 U.S. service rifle in .30-06. The stock looks to be a post war armoury replacement with unusually fine figured walnut, not generally seen on military weapons. There are no visible cartouches but it is a two cross bolt type with handguard.
Overall length 43.1/2″ Barrel length 23.1/2″ Serial number 1386797. The serial number puts original production some time in 1931. The barrel is a WW2 period replacement.
The breech with a single gas escape hole is marked as follows “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMOURY / MODEL 1903. / 1386797.” The action and bolt are of mixed finish, the bolt mainly blued and the action in the early patinated grey green, turning to plumb brown. The bolt is a later swept back arm type. This multitude of finishes indicates a fairly original rifle in that many of the parts in early production were mixed as they came from different sources. Though, the bolt arm stem is marked with the letters “B.F./46”. This means that this bolt is a replacement made by Bonney Forge and as such was not refinished. With the mauser action not having a removable bolt head, if the head space changes through wear, or in fact the replacement of the barrel, a different bolt may be needed to take up the head space.
The rear sight is mounted on a later non-“lightened” sighting collar, which is parkerised green. The sight having the later flat adjustment knobs for windage and locking elevation. It is graduated to 2750 yards with the usual multiple aim points for different ranges.
The barrel is marked “S.A./flaming bomb/7 – 42” It has an excellent 4 groove bore. The action is fine. Two sling swivels, stacking swivel and a plain new looking plain steel butt plate with trap. Somebody had this stock put aside for a special use, it has no blemishes at all and is extremely attractive to look at and handle. The hand guard matches the lower stock. This rifle does not carry the usual cartouches, but it is an interesting piece on its own merits.
Stock code: f 216
£1650.
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