1903 nra

[Steve(WA)]

Hi all.... a while back I came across this, a friend's father had it, bought it from the original buyer way back in the day. I was able to pick it up the other day. Serial is 1277431. I have one old edition of the Springfield numbers, it isn't in my copy. I don't know if any new editions might have it? It is blued, very nice shape. Star Gauge barrel. P proof on stock. Here are a few pictures:






What do you all think, looks legit? Can trace it's history back a long time.

[CptEnglehorn]

beautiful rifle, 1277431 032328 DCM RIFLE SALES 1922-42

[Rick the Librarian]

Interesting ... it LOOKS like a NRA Sporter, but isn't listed as one.

[Emri]

Looks good to me. SN, bbl date, bolt code all match the time frame. Rounded front receiver ring, polished bolt, etc.

The J5 bolt marked on top of handle threw me at first, but I looked it up in John's chart. Strange that SA made a J6 marked bolt earlier.

Thanks for the pics !!


Emri

[Steve(WA)]

Thanks all. Nice that it hit. Should be worth getting a letter. Rick... what is it listed as?

[Rick the Librarian]

Just a DCM rifle (no "Sporter" designation), sold on March 23, 1928.

[Herschel]

The serial number falls in the midst of a bunch of SRS listed NRA Sporters. If it is not an authentic sporter there must be some story of how it came to be. One would have to assume that someone bought the issue type 1903, bought the NRA Sporter Stock, Barrel, Rear Sight and bolt. Then it would have to be assembled, blued and the bolt numbered. Even though the circle P is not shown on the stock I would bet it is there. Lack of the circle P proof would indicate the stock was bought as a replacement. I think it highly unlikely that all this would have happened. It is interesting that it still has the front sight cover. I have a couple of NRA Sporters that have them but nearly all I see are missing it. I don't recall seeing anything that said the covers came standard on the NRA Sporters or if they were an extra cost option. The ones on my rifles are blued to match the barrel blue, as the one on the subject riflle.

I certainly recommend that you get the SRS sales letter. It would certainly be worth the $65 (+$35 if you are not a subscriber to USMAC). That is one of the nicest NRA Sporters I have seen.

[Jeff L]

Very nice.

[Steve(WA)]

Herschel.... the stock is P proofed. No other markings I can find. The front sight cover is R marked with US and flaming bomb on the other side. So a later addition for sure. I will send off for the letter. It will add more history. The previous owner will also write up his knowledge of it. Came from his dad, a WW2 vet, a tanker in Europe. It was shot, and amazingly, quite dirty when I got it from powder residue. Happily, no corrosive down it, as the barrel is very bright. Part of the fun of getting something new is that first cleaning and oiling. A labor of love! Appreciate all of you helping. Steve

[Fred]

Thanks for sharing!