Star Gauged Springfield M1903 NRA Sporter .30-06 24″ Bolt Rifle C&R Letter
SOLD FOR: $1,625.00
LSB#: LSB260504RH006
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: Model 1903 Sporting NRA Type
Serial Number: 1367827
Year of Manufacture: The receiver was manufactured circa 1929. The Springfield Armory barrel is dated May 1930. The included Springfield Research Service documentation records the rifle as having been sold through the Director of Civilian Marksmanship program in March 1932. C&R.
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt-action rifle with a five-round internal box magazine and hinged floorplate.
Markings: The receiver ring is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / MODEL 1903. / 1367827”. The barrel is marked “S A” above the Springfield Armory flaming bomb and “5-30”, indicating Springfield Armory manufacture in May 1930. The bolt body is electro-penciled “1367827”, matching the receiver serial number. The underside of the wrist is marked with a circled “P” proof. Additional small inspection and assembly markings are present on the barrel, receiver, bolt, and sight components. The crown is star gauged.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade mounted in a barrel-mounted base . The rear sight is a receiver-mounted, fully adjustable micrometer aperture sight with elevation and windage adjustments. The sight shows operational wear and thinning consistent with the balance of the rifle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth walnut sporting stock with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, rounded forend, and sling swivels. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are no visible chips or cracks. The circled “P” proof remains visible on the underside of the wrist. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued barrel and small parts with a dark military-style finish on the receiver and associated components.
Finish Originality: The finishes appear original to the rifle, with honest age, handling, and operational wear. The rifle retains its documented Springfield Armory Sporting NRA Type configuration.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The rifling is worn but well defined. In the opinion of the writer the bore rate 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The barrel retains generally strong blue with scattered thinning, light scratches, and handling marks. The receiver, bolt, rear sight, trigger guard, floorplate, and other exposed components show finish thinning, areas of gray patina, operational wear, and scattered minor marks. The bolt body shows polish and cycling wear, and its electro-penciled serial number matches the receiver. The screw heads show light tooling with serviceable slots. The pins are generally clean. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
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: This rifle includes a Springfield Research Service letter dated October 10, 2003, signed by Franklin B. Mallory, Chief Researcher, along with a copy of the original Springfield Armory sales record. The documentation identifies serial number 1367827 as a “Rifle, U.S. Cal. .30, M1903, Sporting NRA Type” sold by Springfield Armory to W. L. Carter of Richmond, California through the Director of Civilian Marksmanship sales program in March 1932. No box is included.
The Springfield Armory Model 1903 Sporting NRA Type was a specialized civilian and competitive shooting version of the standard U.S. service rifle. Springfield Armory produced these rifles for qualified marksmen and NRA members, combining the strength and accuracy of the M1903 action with a shortened sporting stock, 24” barrel, precision aperture sights, and features better suited to target shooting and field use. Far fewer Sporting NRA rifles were produced than standard military Model 1903 rifles, making surviving original examples desirable among advanced U.S. martial-arms collectors.
This example is particularly notable for its Springfield Research Service documentation. The surviving Ordnance Department record identifies this specific rifle by serial number and confirms its sale by Springfield Armory through the DCM program to W. L. Carter of Richmond, California in March 1932. Its May 1930 Springfield barrel is consistent with assembly before the documented sale, while the full receiver serial number electro-penciled on the bolt provides another desirable matching feature.
The rifle presents well with substantial remaining finish, an attractive walnut sporting stock, correct-style receiver aperture sight, and honest wear from age and use. Its direct archival documentation, matching electro-penciled bolt, and scarce NRA Sporting configuration give it substantially greater historical and collector interest than an undocumented or conventionally sporterized Model 1903.
Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!-CM