U.S. Model 1903 Sporter Rifle (R32237)

The U.S. Springfield Armory manufactured about 6,500 30-06 caliber Model 1903 N.R.A. sporting rifles for N.R.A. sales between 1924 and 1933. Production was stopped because firms such as Remington and Winchester were making quality high power bolt action rifles and it was rightly felt that the government-manufactured guns were unfair competition. These fine rifles were intended to be modified to the individual shooter's needs and dimensions. Consequently, an original example like this one is hard to find today. This N.R.A. Sporter is serial number 1406724 with a barrel date of 1-32. The barrel is correctly star gauged on the muzzle. The bore is like new with bright, strong rifling. The gun retains approx. 99+% blue overall. The bright NS marked (nickel steel) bolt is unnumbered as is sometimes found on later guns. The gun is correctly equipped with a Lyman 48 receiver sight. The 1922 style stock without grasping grooves has the reinforcing ctoss bolts which are correct for a 30-06 rifle (The Model 1922 22 caliber rifle uses essentially the same stock but does not have cross bolts. A 1903 N.R.A. sporter will fit this stock but is not correct). The receiver ring is marked U.S. over SPRINGFIELD over ARMORY over MODEL 1903 over 1406724. The stock, with its heavy N.R,A, style buttplate, is excellent and the sling swivels are present. It has the correct circle P inspection stamp on the wrist. The action functions correctly. This may be the best condition 1903 N.R.A. Sporter in existence!