Springfield Armory 1922 MI/M2 .22 LR 1903 Military Trainer Bolt Rifle, C&R

SOLD FOR: $1355

LSB#: 210312DW17

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1922 M1, M2 Converted

Serial Number: 10748B

Year of Manufacture: October, 1938 Barrel Date

Caliber: .22 LR (Long Rifle)

Action Type: Bolt Action, Detachable Magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / M1922MI.1 / 10748B” (the “1” in the model and “B” in the serial are under the finish). The top of the barrel is marked “S A / flaming bomb / 10– 38” behind the front sight. The left side of the barrel shank is marked “LONG RIFLE / CART’GE ONLY”. The safety lever is marked “SAFE / READY”. The top of the bolt handle is marked “M2”. The bolt body is marked “M2” ahead of the lug. The extractor is marked “C 3998”. The serial “10748” is hand-scribed across the bottom of the bolt body and head. The barrel band is marked “U”. The right side of the rear sight is marked with the Lyman logo and “REG. U.S. PAT. OFF”. The top of the rear sight is marked “LYMAN / REG. U.S. PAT. OFF”.

Barrel Length: 24 1 /2″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a raised base with a circled “S” marked hood installed. The rear sight is fully adjustable Lyman aperture marked “0 25 50 75 100 125”.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece walnut with semi-pistol grip, straight comb, checkered steel buttplate, finger-grooves, barrel band and sling swivels front and rear. The stock has a pair of cracks extending back from the left- and right-rear edges of the trigger guard with two brass pins installed vertically through the grip to repair the cracks. There are a few other scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches with some spots of stubborn residue. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light wear, most notable at the heel. Overall, the stock is in about Very Good condition as repaired.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Refinished, likely Arsenal Refurbished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its current metal finish. The parkerized finish is generally strong with some thinning forward of the forend on the barrel. There are a few scattered light marks with a light, but long scratch on the bottom of the barrel forward of the forend. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good-Fine condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork& Accessories: The rifle comes with a single 5-round flush-fit magazine. The magazine has light operational wear, some minor surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Very Good condition. Also included is a brown leather military-style sling. The sling has moderate wear with some minor fraying and verdigris at the brass fixtures, in about Good condition.

Our Assessment: Starting in 1922, Springfield Armory was directed to work with the National Rifle Association (NRA) to develop a .22 caliber rifle that could be used by Office of the Director of Civilian Marksmanship (DCM) affiliated rifle clubs and by Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) shooting teams. The result was the M1922 Rifle. There were a couple of different updates to the design, and each iteration also had some previous models converted to the new configuration. The final configuration & designation of the M1922 .22 caliber Rifle is the M2 and this is an example of a 1922 M1 which was updated to the M2 configuration. This is an important and valuable U.S. rifle made by Springfield Armory. These rifles were designed to mimic the full size Springfield Model 1903’s, yet were chambered in .22 LR. The goal was to give soldiers and civilians trigger time on a Springfield 1903, without the expense of .30 Caliber ammo. Many M2s were used for competition shooting. The Springfield M2 has become a desired collector’s piece. This rare rifle will add nicely to your Military collection. For more information on the Model 1922 Trainers see pages 50 to 55 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition. Good luck!