1903 NRA Sporter SRS Check

[skelly]

A friend recently acquired a SA 1903, SN 1,277,272 and believes it might be an NRA Springfield Sporter. An SRS check would be appreciated to determine if he is correct. Thanks for any help.

[m1903rifle]

Not listed, but "in good company":

1277268 SPT 12/30/27 DCM RIFLE SALES 1922-42
1277339 SPT 10/04/27 DCM RIFLE SALES 1922-42

[JimF]

You might want to closely observe the front of the receiver ring . . . .where the barrel screws in.

This "corner" of a true, armory-built sporter receiver will be radiused!

On "Bubba-built" sporters, Bubba usually forgot this little nuance!

Square-cornered receivers were used on the regular service rifles. --Jim

[clintonhater]

On "Bubba-built" sporters, Bubba usually forgot this little nuance!

Where the hell is Bubba getting his NRA stocks? I want one too!

[Steve(WA)]

I have 1277431 SA Sporter. Close to Skelly's. JimF... are you talking about how the receiver and the barrel fit? The receiver edge is sharp, but I do see where there is more metal on the receiver edge at about the wood line. Thanks

[Dick Hosmer]

You might want to closely observe the front of the receiver ring . . . .where the barrel screws in.

This "corner" of a true, armory-built sporter receiver will be radiused!

On "Bubba-built" sporters, Bubba usually forgot this little nuance!

Square-cornered receivers were used on the regular service rifles. --Jim

Also, there will be no groove cut in the barrel for the rear sight sleeve aligning pin.

[Cosine26]

There are many distinguishing characteristics that would identify a real NRA Sporting Model to the experts on this forum. One or two pictures could provide some good evidence. Most Sporters were sold to individuals but some went to the USMC and some went to Law Enforcement so would not show up on SRS.
\FWIW

[Herschel]

NRA Sporter stocks were available from the DCM in the 1930's. I have seen some reproduction copies that looked very good.
Replacement stocks from the DCM will not have the circle C inside the pistol grip.
NRA Sporter stocks sometimes are found on 1922 Series Springfield .22 rifles. I have two that came that way.
Through a stroke of good luck I found an original Sporter replacement stock at the Tulsa Gun show last Nov. They do show up from time to time but rarely.

[Rick the Librarian]

Slightly OT, but I had a M1922/M2 (or was it MII?) with a heavily sanded M1922 stock. I was offered a M1903A3 with a very nice M1922 stock. Took it and made the switch. :)

[clintonhater]

...They do show up from time to time but rarely.

"Rarely" is, I think, putting it mildly; I've been waiting 40+ yrs. As for those on M1922s, I'd far rather have one of those than any faked Sporter.

[EriCal]

Like this??
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b188/RubEric/IMG_0813.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/RubEric/media/IMG_0813.jpg.html)