Springfield 1903 NRA Sporting Rifle Star Gauged .30-06 Bolt Action 1928 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1704.17
LSB#: 211027DC09
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1903 NRA Sporting Rifle (NRA Sporter). This 1903 is in NRA Sporting Rifle configuration. We do not know if this rifle was originally built in NRA Sporting Rifle configuration as both the metal and wood have been refinished.
Serial Number: 1294242
Year of Manufacture: 1928 (page 374 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition)
Barrel Date: May, 1928
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / MODEL 1903 / 1294242”. The top of the barrel is marked “S A / flaming bomb / 5 – 28”. The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The barrel band is marked “U”. The face of the muzzle is marked with a “star” to indicate that it is a star gauged barrel. The top of the bolt handle is marked with a faded “J 5”. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked with a punch. The bolt body is marked with the serial number in electric pencil. The rear sight markings include “LYMAN” on the top and the Lyman logo on the right.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front globe sight uses a post insert. The rear sight is a Lyman Type 48C adjustable aperture. It is secured to the right rear of the receiver. The right side is marked “0 25 50 75 100 125” and with small lines. The top is marked “0” and with small lines.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, barrel band, 2 sling loops, 2 through bolts, and a checkered metal buttplate. The buttplate has a small hole drilled in the center. shows scrapes, small scratches and oxidation. The buttplate is slightly smaller than the butt. The wood extends slightly beyond the top & bottom of the buttplate. The wood shows scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Most of the marks have been finished over. The LOP measures 13 ? inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are light gray. The rifling is deep. There is fouling and light intermittent erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish as refinished. Oxidation shows through the new finish on the barrel. The bottom metal has discoloration from oxidation bleeding though the new finish. The metal shows several scuffs, scrapes, and handling marks. It also shows varying degrees of discoloration. The bottom metal shows scratches. The screw heads show heavy use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with photos of a Springfield factory records book that lists this rifle’s serial number as a Sporting Rifle. We cannot confirm the photos. They are in about Fine condition. The rifle comes with a leather sling that shows scapes & discoloration on the leather as well as scrapes & oxidation on the metal. It is in about Very Good Plus condition.
Our Assessment: The Springfield Armory Model 1903 NRA and NRB Sporting Rifles (NRA Sporter) were made in limited quantities (under 5000) and were offered to the public between 1925 and 1932. This Model 1903 is in NRA Sporter configuration. It has a star gauged barrel, uses the correct Lyman 48C aperture sight, and was built during the proper time frame. The metal & wood have been refinished so the rifle looks impressive. Unfortunately we do not have paperwork to prove that this 1903 was originally made in NRA Sporter configuration. Our consignor advises that this is a true 1903 NRA Sporting Rifle sold by the Director of Civilian Marksmanship (DCM) to NRA members. The consignor includes photos of a page in the DCM sales book that lists the rifle as an NRA Sporter, by serial number. Unfortunately we cannot confirm the photo. Either way, this is a good looking Model 1903 in NRA Sporter configuration. It should do well at the range. Good luck.