Need help identifying M1903 rifle that has been upgraded back in 1922

[NathanHale]

I am looking for Springfield M1903 information from someone involved in researching SA M1903 rifles. I have an M1903 that has been upgraded back in 1922 with a Star Gauge Barrel #5758 marked, a small #8 stamped on the lower left side of the sight base collar, SA initials, Flaming Bomb and the date "3-22" behind the front site. W3L Polished Bolt and rails and a Fine checkered Butt plate.......But the receiver SN# is 780368 and dates to 1918 and it has an early 1909-1918, single cross bolt, stock with the number "95" stamped behind the Trigger guard and the letter "E" behind the on/off switch. No other stamps on the stock. I am not sure if this is just a service rifle that was sent in for upgrade or something else as there is little info on these rifles that I can find. I have the Brophy book that says there were only 100 Special target Rifles made i 1922 but I don't know if 03' owners could just send their rifles in 1922 to be upgraded apart from the "100" Rifles that were being listed in the Brophy Book in the Special target section. I think it is the former.Any thoughts on this would be appricated. MJ
4022340224402254022640227

[NathanHale]

More Photos of my M1903
4022840229402304023140232

[Fred]

That's a Neat looking rifle!

[Rick the Librarian]

I believe the 1922 date was before Springfield did not upgrade earlier M1903s. Perhaps the original owner was able to obtain the parts and do it on his own?

[Cosine26]

I wonder in what year SA stopped re-barreling SHT actions? It may have been after 1922 but anyone could order a star gauged barrel and a DHT bolt who was qualified, id est. NRA member.
Just curious. I know that by 1927 notes on the DCM page of the AR it was indicated that SHT actions would not be rebarreled.
Just curious

[Rick the Librarian]

I believe 1927 was the year that rifles with SHT receivers had the receivers scrapped.

[Emri]

Didn't the "squashed turtle" not appear on muzzles until after 1922 ??

[Rick the Librarian]

That's what I recall.

[John Beard]

Hi, Mark,

You appear to have a USMC National Match rifle. During the immediate post-WWI austerity period, the USMC couldn't afford new National Match rifles and was reduced to upgrading existing service rifles to National Match standards.

Nice rifle! And I'm still enjoying the banjo music!

J.B.

p.s.,

Was that you I heard playing music for an automobile commercial?

[louis]

Nathanhale pm sent

[NathanHale]

Hello John Beard!
Since writing you I have gathered more info from the fellow that I bought it from. He was the son and grandson of two Marines and it was his grandfather who was a US Marine in the 6th Marine Regiment 2nd Infantry Division, Battle of Belleau Wood. ANd accordig to this fellow both his Grandfather and Father shot in USMC rifle competitions.
Ever since we spoke this rifle has driven me nutz! And I would be more than willing to send it to if you would like to see it. Let me know. Would enjoy meeting you in person.
ANd yes that was me and my music on the TV commercial, and Letterman and as of late the Grand ole Opry! But Hah!! you da man!! John.....Mark

[John Beard]

Hello John Beard!
Since writing you I have gathered more info from the fellow that I bought it from. He was the son and grandson of two Marines and it was his grandfather who was a US Marine in the 6th Marine Regiment 2nd Infantry Division, Battle of Belleau Wood. ANd accordig to this fellow both his Grandfather and Father shot in USMC rifle competitions.
Ever since we spoke this rifle has driven me nutz! And I would be more than willing to send it to if you would like to see it. Let me know. Would enjoy meeting you in person.
ANd yes that was me and my music on the TV commercial, and Letterman and as of late the Grand ole Opry! But Hah!! you da man!! John.....Mark


Please pardon my tardy reply! I have been quite busy.

Thanks for your offer, but I don't need to see your rifle. I have a good idea what it looks like. And you posted good pictures!

With respect to meeting up, the pleasure would be mine! But in addition to sharing Springfield information, we need to include banjos! Our musical tastes are virtually identical. And I am very much an amateur banjoist with a very limited repertoire. But what I lack in talent, I make up for with enthusiasm.

When I heard your music in the TV commercial, I immediately perked up in surprise. The style sounded totally familiar!

Good times! Good times!

J.B.

"A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence!" - Leopold Stokowski.