Characteristics of a M1903 1911NM or 1912NM

[m1903rifle]

What characteristics would identify a M1903 rifle as a 1911NM or a 1912NM?

[Rick the Librarian]

I've got a 1915 NM, if that would help.

[m1903rifle]

Rick,
Thanks for your reply. I have a few later NM 1903 rifles, but I know earlier ones were made. The 1911 rifle I have is correct in every way, and while wiping it down, I noticed it has polished rails and follower. I know that star gauge marking on the muzzle did not start until approx 1924. My question is basically would a M1911 NM rifle have other characteristics besides the polished rails and follower? I will try to attach a couple of pictures to show what I am referring to.

[John Beard]

Many pre-WWI NM rifles can be identified by serial number.

J.B.

[m1903rifle]

The serial number is:
497754

[dave]

Looks like wear marks to me. Only the parts the bolt rub on.

[Promo]

It's not SRS listed, the preceeding NM rifle is "490255SG 10 16W VA RIFLE TEAM 1916 NM", the following NM rifle is "499052SG 10 16W VA RIFLE TEAM 1916 NM".

What makes you believe a rifle with this serial should be a 1911 or 1912 NM rifle? I'm now referring to the year, not the NM characteristics.

[m1903rifle]

My rifle was manufactured in 1911. Some rifles from 1911 shown in Vi Shooter's list of Serial numbers and barrel date:

SA 460593 SA 5-11 (CSP 3/06)
SA 463xxx RIA 9-17
SA 465142 SA 4-11 JFC, J1 bolt (CSP 1/09)
SA 475xxx SA 4-11
SA 477519 SA 4-11 JFC
SA 477602 SA 4-11 JFC NM
SA 483079 SA 7-11 B25
SA 491353 SA-3-18
SA 493669 Unmarked
SA 494833 SA 9-19/A
SA 499054 SA 3-12 JFC NM

My question remains..........what other characteristics BESIDES polished rails and follower would a 1911NM rifle have?

[John Beard]

Your rifle does not fall in the serial range of known National Match rifles.

Some characteristics of 1911 National Match rifles were:

Sight line relief groove in the handguard
Checkered buttplate
Stoned and polished sear and cocking piece surfaces
Polished trigger and receiver bearing surfaces
Improved rifle barrel straightening
Furnished with spare tall front sights to lower the battle sight range

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[m1903rifle]

John,

Thanks for the concise information. I'll check for some of the other characteristics.

[John Beard]

As you perhaps noted, most of the characteristics mentioned are also common with service rifles from that period. But those characteristics originated from National Match experience. And that's documented!

What is the barrel date of your rifle? Please advise. Thanks!

J.B.