U.S. Springfield M1922 M2 24.5” .22LR Trainer Bolt Action Rifle, Ca. 1926
SOLD FOR: $1,010.00
LSB# LSB250622BR004
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: M1922 M2
Serial Number: 9383B
Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1926, (September 1926 Barrel date)
Caliber: .22LR
Action Type: Bolt action, detachable 5 round magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY MODEL OF 1922MII CAL. .22 9383B” The bolt handle is marked, “NS M2” The bolt body is marked, “M2” The safety flag is marked, “READY / SAFE”. The side of the barrel shank is marked, “LONG RIFLE CART’GE ONLY” The top of the barrel is marked, “S A / 9 – 26” with a flaming bomb proof. The stock has a “SA” arsenal mark along with a “P” proof on the wrist. There are various small proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 24.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a dovetailed blade set atop a raised base, the rear sight is a fully adjustable Lyman peephole sight with a diopter.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The 1922 M2 stock is a single piece walnut with a barrel band/sling loop, finger grooves, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling loop, and knurled buttplate. There are minor handling marks throughout. The knurling on the buttplate is sharp. There are no chips but there is a large crack at the wrist. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in at about Very Good overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Refurbishment
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is pronounced. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are faint handling marks throughout. The action has light wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good to Excellent condition as Arsenal Refurbished.
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: 1x 5 Round Magazine.
Our Assessment: The Springfield Model 1922 M2 was developed as a precision .22 caliber training rifle for the U.S. military, designed to mimic the dimensions, handling, and manual of arms of the full-size service rifles in use at the time – namely the M1903 Springfield. With its high-quality construction, tight tolerances, and exceptional accuracy, the M1922 series quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest rimfire trainers ever made. The M2 variant, introduced in the mid-1920s, featured improved bolt design and was the most refined version in the series. These rifles were used extensively by ROTC programs, military academies, and National Guard units throughout the interwar and WWII period to train marksmanship without the cost or recoil of full-power service cartridges. This example, manufactured around September 1926, shows the hallmarks of a carefully maintained training rifle. It retains about 98% of its parkerized finish with faint handling marks throughout. The original Lyman diopter rear sight is intact – an excellent period feature that enhanced the rifle’s precision role. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and minimal erosion, suggesting it was cleaned regularly and used with care. The bolt and receiver parts are correctly marked with “M2” designations, and the rifle includes its original 5-round magazine.
The Springfield M1922 M2 is highly regarded by collectors, shooters, and military historians alike. Its blend of old-world craftsmanship, practical military heritage, and target-grade accuracy makes it both a collectible and a joy to shoot. As a trainer, it stands as a testament to the importance of marksmanship in U.S. military doctrine, and as a collectible, it remains one of the finest rimfire bolt actions of the 20th century. This example – with matched components, a sharp bore, and authentic configuration – offers great appeal for anyone seeking to preserve or enjoy a piece of classic American armory tradition. -R.E.
