Custom Clifton Scout No.14 Model 1903 Mk. 1 .30-06 SPRG 20” Bolt Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,425.00
LSB#: LSB250731GM034
Make: Clifton Arms (Originally Springfield Armory)
Model: Scout No.14 (Originally a 1903 Mark 1)
Serial Number: 1146673
Year of Manufacture: 1919 / ATF Classification: Modern (due to modifications made to the rifle)
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt-Action, hinged floorplate
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: There is a Williams peep sight mounted to the right side of the receiver. At the muzzle, a blade is dovetailed into a textured ramp fixed to the barrel. There are two custom scope mount bases forward of the receiver. They are roughly 3.75” apart measuring from the inside of one to the other. The scope rings attached are unmarked, but the optic is a Leupold M8 2.5X Long Eye relief scope. The glass is clear and the optic rates in Very Good condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: One-piece synthetic textured stock with a straight comb. There is a fold out bipod that is stored in the forend. The stock shows light handling marks with a few small scuffs in the finish, but no chips or cracks. Overall the synthetic stock rates Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp with light fouling. There is no erosion in the bore. There is a sight spot of oxidation near the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: The finish of the rifle rates at about 98%. There are some scattered surface scuffs and blemishes from normal handling and operation. The markings are still crisp and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. The trigger has a crisp and clean break. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Scope, leather sling
Our Assessment: A purpose-built Scout-style bolt gun marrying classic early-20th-century action geometry to a short, handy 20″ barrel chambered for the .30-06 Springfield. The custom Clifton Scout treatment emphasizes a compact, taut handling package with weather-resistant finishes and a streamlined stock profile for pointability and rapid target acquisition.
The “scout rifle” concept was popularized in the late 20th century by Col. Jeff Cooper as a practical, do-everything hunting/field rifle blueprint that emphasized portability, rapid target acquisition, and multi-role utility. Key hallmarks spelled out by the concept — short overall length with a moderate-length barrel, an unobtrusive low-power forward optic (the classic “scout” scope), simple iron sights retained for backup, a stout sling for one-handed carry and shooting, and an action/cartridge pairing capable of tackling everything from close-range brush work to extended shots — all aim to produce a single tool that performs reliably across varied field tasks. Be sure to check our detailed pictures for a better understanding of the firearm. -C.R.
