NM 03 Springfield

[milspec2453]

I received a DCM lottery 03 SN. 929441 barrel date 1-38 SA in the 90's. This rifle has a star gage barrel (star on muzzle and star gage numbers under handguard) it also has the numbers C64112 on the fixed sight base. Brophys book lists this no. as Barrel and receiver assy., NM. The windage knob is marked A-135891-0 could not find this part number. Could this rifle been a National Match 03 in a former life.
Thanks Milspec

[Rick the Librarian]

Unfortunately, it is not a National Match. The serial number identifies the receiver as having been made in 1918, during World War I. No NM rifles were made during that period for obvious reasons. The Star Gauge barrel could have been taken off a NM rifle that was not sold, or it could have been ordered or bought by a former civilian owner of the rifle. As I recall, the FRSB was made in the 1930s (and is probably original to the barrel), but wasn't made just for NM rifles.

[John Beard]

I concur in part with Rick the Librarian. Your rifle is fitted with a National Match barrel. But the receiver was never likely a National Match receiver.

But, Rick the Librarian is in error. Drawing No. C64112 does indeed indicate that your barrel, including the Fixed Rear Sight Base (FRSB), was made especially for a National Match rifle.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[Rick the Librarian]

John, so the FRSB with that drawing number was JUST for NM rifles? I thought that, like other parts with drawing numbers (like the handguard, firing pin, etc) they were made for NM rifles, but alsoi for late 1930s rebuilds and replacements?

[milspec2453]

The 03 rifle I have was received by me directly from DCM before the Greek returns came on scene by CMP. So its unlikely that civilians had a chance to mess with it. Page 197 of Brophy,s 03 Springfield book shows the part no. C64112 Barrel and receiver, assy., NM for a overwelming $19.93 listed at the bottom of the page. Brophy's book page 201 referance 1939 lists 710 new manufacture NM rifles and 2,719 overhauled NM rifles defined as (reconditioned, overhauled, repaired or modified). Even though the receiver predates the barrel date could the rifle been a rebuild NM from 1939 or just a NM barrel that was used up by ordnance in a rebuild program. Any thing known about the A-135891-0 number on the windage knob.
Thanks Milspec

[milspec2453]

Wrong year 1938 not 1939 1,605 new NM rifles and 3,017 overhauled NM rifles.

[Rick the Librarian]

Nope - a rifle in that serial range was not a NM, rebuilt or not. I would bet the parts came off a NM that was converted back into service use and disassembled.

[John Beard]

John, so the FRSB with that drawing number was JUST for NM rifles? I thought that, like other parts with drawing numbers (like the handguard, firing pin, etc) they were made for NM rifles, but alsoi for late 1930s rebuilds and replacements?

Springfield began marking drawing numbers in 1935. Some numbers designated National Match parts. Some numbers designated service rifle parts. One must have a parts list to sort out which is which. C64112 designates a barrel and receiver assembly, National Match. C63934 designates a barrel and receiver assembly, service rifle. The numbers are stamped on the right side of the FRSB just below the wood line.

J.B.

[Rick the Librarian]

Thanks for the explanation. I've seen a C64112, but didn't know that was NM only.

[John Hancock]

A friend of mine once had a low number 1903 with a NM barrel. At the time we thought that someone had tried to fake a National Match rifle because it was a low number receiver and the barrel had marks like it had been installed with a pipe wrench. It also had some other weird features like a serial numbered early bolt, which we also thought was fake, a crudely drilled Hatcher Hole, and a stippled buttplate. So, thinking that the rifle was a fake, he sold it. Does your rifle have any USMC features like the ones previously listed?

[milspec2453]

The rifle shows no pipe fitter marks. The rifle as recevied by myself from DCM has the star gage barrel and fixed rear sight base C64112 it also came with the B147172 NM follower. The bolt is remington and stock is a pistol grip, K in the cutoff WWII type that would fit a 03A3 so its a parts gun. The barrel receiver have a good finnish but also show that blackened finnish on exposed parts. It had the fine checkered buttplate. Does not have the vent hole in the left side. Wish I could take pictures but my technology is broken.