Springfield Armory Model 1903A1 National Match, Star Gauged Barrel, 24" Bolt Action Rifle, War Dept. Papers, MFD 1937 C&R - .30-06 Springfield

More Sold Post-1900 U.S. Military Arms

SOLD FOR $6,016

LSB#: 150708EB29

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1903A1

Serial Number: 1498118

Year of Manufacture: 1937 (page 370 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations) Barrel Date 3 – 37

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / MODEL 1903 / 1498118”. The lower lip of the muzzle is marked with a “star”. Star gauged barrels were installed on M1903 National Match rifles. The star gauge record number “C 2337”, is stamped on the top of the barrel about 3 inches ahead of the rear sight base. (see pages 165-166 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations). The top of the barrel is marked “S A / flaming bomb / 3 – 37” and “P”. The safety is marked “SAFE READY”. The magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF” and with a “3” on the underside. The bolt is etched with the serial number which is standard practice for a National Match rifle (see page 36). The bottom of the bolt handle is marked “F” and the top is marked “N.S.” (nickel steel) which is a common marking on National Match rifles (see page 37). The cocking piece is marked “CV” which is a National Match marking (see page 231). The bayonet lug is stamped “H”. The left side of each through bolt is marked “0”. The right side of the barrel band is marked “U”. The left side of the receiver is marked “Di Natale John. F.”. John F. Dinatale was the original purchaser of this rifle from the Office of Director of Civilian Marksmanship (ODCM) way back in 1937. The bottom of the butt is stamped with the drawing number for a “C” stock, “D1836”, and the serial number. This is indicative of a National Match rifle as some were marked in this manner (see pages 110-111). The handguard is marked “D28179” on the top and “8” underneath at the rear. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked with a Springfield Armory inspection stamp “SA / SPG in a box”. The front of the grip is marked with a “circled P” firing proof. The magazine cutoff relief is marked “6” and with an “S”. The “S” indicates that the manufacturer of the stock was in fact Springfield Armory and not a subcontractor (see page 381).
The face of the brass front sight cover and the top of the metal rear sight cover are both marked “P.J. O’HARE / SOUTHORANGE, N.J. / MADE IN U.S.A.”. The Model 1907 leather sling is a reproduction. It is marked from “1 – 16” between the eyelets. It is also marked “BROWNELL’S / COMPETTITOR PLUS” and with company information.

Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a raised base. The rear sight is a “U” notched blade attached to a fully adjustable sight ladder marked from “3-27”. When flipped up separate notches and an aperture on the ladder can be used for sighting.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, metal nosecap, stacking loop, barrel band, two sling loops, two through bolts and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The stock shows various light scrapes, scuffs and small compression marks. The LOP measures 13 1/8 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine to Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is deep. There is no erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.75.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The front sight shows thinning from the use of the sight protector. The bottom metal shows light scrapes and some light frosting. The nose cap shows small scratches. The receiver shows some thinning from cycling the action. The finish shows some discoloration from oxidation. The screw heads show use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.

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: This rifle comes with a receipt from the War Department Office of Director of Civilian Marksmanship (ODCM), the “Star Gauging, record, a target and a “Shipping Ticket” for the rifle which is also marked “War Department”. The rifle’s correct serial number, star gauged barrel number, the original purchasers name and the date of 1937 is on the paperwork. Two pages list the rifle as, U.S. Rifle, Cal..30, M1903A1, National Match”. There is a ton of information on the paperwork; please study photos for more details. The paperwork is in about Very Good condition. The rifle comes with front and rear P.J. O’Hare sight covers. The front brass cover shows oxidation, scrapes, small scratches and is slightly bent at the front. The cover slides on the sight and rotates to secure the cover in place. The front cover is in about Good to Very Good condition. The rear metal cover shows scrapes and oxidation. It slides over the sight ladder (when up). The sight ladder is then lowered and the rear portion of the cover is flipped down to cover the remainder of the sight. The rear cover is in about Very Good Plus condition. The rifle comes with a leather sling that shows some wear. The sling is in about Very Good Plus condition.

Our Assessment: This Springfield Armory Model 1903A1 is a National Match rifle that was built in 1937. The rifle has lots of deep markings on the metal and on the wood that are indicative of a National Match rifle. It even comes with front and rear P.J. O’Hare sight covers. The markings are described above but you must see the photos to really appreciate them. Paperwork from the War Department Office of Director of Civilian Marksmanship (ODCM) is included with the rifle. The paperwork includes tons of information on the rifle and its owner. The rifle was sold to John F. Dinatale in 1937 as a “NEW” National Match rifle. The “shipping ticket” lists the rifle as “NEW”. Mr. Dinatale picked up the rifle in person and eventually etched his name on the receiver. This is a rifle for the collector. We don’t see that many 1903 National Match rifles come through our shop. It is rare to see a National Match rifle is such great condition. Good Luck.