U.S. Springfield M1903 Rifle with “star-gauged” Barrel……….SOLD

M1903 Springfield Rifle with Early Features

This 1903 shows most of the early features associated with the world war one rifles, mainly the “humped” hand-guard, the lighter looking stock and the finger-grooves in the for-end.  It has the standard two re-enforcing cross-bolts under the action.  All the furniture to the rifle is of the original cast then milled type.

The markings on the action read as follows; ” U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY/ MODEL 1903 / 1372552″  On the RHS of the action the rifle has the smaller “Hatcher” gas escape hole.  The rifle is based on the Mauser design with a standard Mauser bolt action and internal five-shot magazine.  To the rear of the bolt is a flag safety with “READY” and “SAFE” on either side.  Also to the rear of the LHS of the action is the magazine cut-of switch, which does exactly what it sounds like.  You have to think of the markings on that switch as “ON” meaning the cut-of device is operating and you will only be able to feed one round at a time from the top, ie the rifle is in single shot mode.  Or, that when set to “OFF” the rifle will feed from the magazine and you have five shots before you have to re-load again. Chambered in .30-06.

The serial number puts production in 1931 and for that reason it should have a corresponding barrel date, but it does not.  Not the end of the world because this rifle has a few more secrets up its sleeve yet, to be revealed under close scrutiny. The barrel markings are as follows; “S.A. / flaming bomb motif / 10 – 29.”  So looks like the rifle went back into the arsenal for a new barrel, having shot the first one out.  It was fitted with a Springfield made barrel.  The alignment of the “Nine” is ever-so slightly askew from the rest of the numbers – this leads me to believe that the barrel was taken from a stockpile of prepared barrels and the last digit had been left off until the year of fitting was know.

There is more to look at.  It was only after cleaning and closely photographing the rifle that the next two little surprises revealed themselves to me.  The crown of the barrel is star-gauged ! All barrels made for competition, i.e. National Match rifles, were star gauged. Couple this with the next discovery and things start to look interesting.  In bright bright sunlight it is possible to see, underneath the finish of the bolt, an electro-pencilled serial number.  Unfortunately it is not matching.  But, all N.M rifles were marked with the receivers serial number on the bolt body.  At some point in the rifles long history it was considered an accurate rifle and selected for Match use.  The bore is now lightly pitted and misted, but has strong rifling along its entire length. So when the barrel slipped below the high standards expected for a N.M barrel it looks like it was refinished and went back into normal Army usage – if it was outside the services it would not have been refinished.

The rifle has the standard flip up sights, graduated to 2700 yards,  with windage adjustment.  The rear sights are sited on the early lightening cut barrel collar.  Finish to all the metalwork is the same with high edge wear, plus the first stage of thinning to some of the other flat surfaces on the action.  Nothing looks refinished on barrel, or action.  The bolt handle is of the swept back type with “N.S.” on the bolt handle stem meaning “Nickle – Steel” alloy.  Colour is strong on the exposed part of the barrel and nose-cap.  Single blade front sight.  Cross hatched steel butt-plate with trap for cleaning bottle / oiler (A.F.)

The american black walnut stock is in fine condition.  It has at some point been heavily sanded and as a result of that process, the circled “P” final proof mark is very feint.  Also it is not possible to see the original final inspectors cartouche on the wrist only the later “R.A.-P” Raritan Arsenal rebuild mark.  The stock is in excellent condition for its age with no cracks or splits or any serious dents, gouges or dings.  It is clear however, that this rifle has seen long service and it would be nice to see it move into gentle, or not so gentle retirement, knowing that it has a new lease of life on the ranges, ahead of it,  having recently been tested, and passed by the proof system in the UK.

Although a little later than the first world war, this is a good representative example of the American choice for the conflict and one that has probably served in the second round as well.

Stock No’  f 402

£ 1150………SOLD

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