M1903A1 evaluation. NM?

[Blockhead]

Just picked up this rifle and it has generated some debate over on the CMP forum. I would like to hear from folks here too. Points of debate include whether the rifle is a National Match and if the barrel is original. Any thoughts?

[ismith]

Looks good to me. It was likely rebuilt for the '39 or 40 matches. Ill check my SRS books for you.

[ismith]

No hits in my books, but came close!
1378347 MANN 061632 MANN BBL
1378354 MANN 040132 MANN BBL

[Rick the Librarian]

No match on SRS.

[Fred]

Unless you're an advanced collector of Springfield's, Why don't you follow through with your first intent and sell the rifle. Chuck has an interest in it and I'll bet that you'll make a little extra money as well as make Chuck's day too!

[Blockhead]

Unless you're an advanced collector of Springfield's, Why don't you follow through with your first intent and sell the rifle. Chuck has an interest in it and I'll bet that you'll make a little extra money as well as make Chuck's day too!

My interest in keeping the rifle was initially based on its nice condition when I received it. The neat things I'm learning about it only makes me want to keep it more.

[Blockhead]

No match on SRS.

Thanks for the info Rick. I'm basically familiar with what SRS is, but is it considered the definitive source for establishing NM provenance?

[ismith]

Not Rick, but pretty much yes, short of original documentation.

[Rick the Librarian]

Only if the rifle was sold to a civilian. If sold to a member of the military it doesn't show up in the records, usually.

[chuckindenver]

the barrel may or may not, be original...its very common for a NM rifle to have a later replacment barrel...
they were shot...alot..
a barrel is a normal wear part...iv had several NM A1s with later star gauged barrels installed.
still think this rifle is right as rain..and i look at alot of A1s....more then most...we all have our nitch in this 1903 world...the A1 is my weakness

[Johnny P]

I would have some questions about that rifle. No serial number on the stock, and the numbered bolt looks more like a vibra-pencil than an electro pencil. Were the NM serial numbers ever put on the bottom of the bolt like that one?

[Calif Steve]

My NM does not appear on the SRS list. Not uncommon to find a real NM that is not on the list. JB could jump in.

[Herschel]

The 1903 NRA Sporters that were made in later years had the sn etched on the bottom of the bolt. I don't know at what time or serial number they started numbering the bolts on the bottom. 1903NM Rifles may have never been numbered on the bottom.

[Johnny P]

I have seen later serial number 1903A1 NM's with the number visible on the top of the bolt, but have no idea if there were any put on the bottom.

[chuckindenver]

USMC marked bolts ahead of the safety lug, and on the bottom as well.
rifle has a hatcher hole as well.