+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 16

Thread: Springfield 1903 NRA Sporter???

Click here to increase the font size Click here to reduce the font size
  1. #1
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    dude67's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Last On
    08-10-2012 @ 02:00 PM
    Posts
    13
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    07:30 AM

    Springfield 1903 NRA Sporter???

    Hello,
    I am trying to confirm my what I think is a Springfield 1903 NRA Sporter S/N 1191686 that my late Father in law has given me. I have included a few pics. This rifle is in a too pristine condition to have been a military rifle. I have to admit I know nothing about this rifle accept the S/N is of the year 1920.







    Information
    Warning: This is a relatively older thread
    This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

  2. # ADS
    Friends and Sponsors
    Join Date
    October 2006
    Posts
    All Threads
    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    Advisory Panel Chuckindenver's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    Yesterday @ 12:08 PM
    Location
    Denver Co
    Age
    61
    Posts
    3,150
    Real Name
    chuck
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    05:30 AM
    your rifle is a standard military issue 1903 Springfield, Mark 1, if you remove the scope base, you will see that is says, just that..
    barrel is a WW2 replacement...other then a nice hunting rifle, with some great familiy value...its nothing special.
    warpath metal finishing contact info.
    molinenorski@msn.com
    720-841-1399 during normal bus, hours.

  4. Avoid Ads - Become a Contributing Member - Click HERE
  5. #3
    Legacy Member Mike D's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Last On
    03-25-2024 @ 07:18 PM
    Location
    South Carolina
    Age
    48
    Posts
    825
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    07:30 AM
    No NRA sporter, just a sporter.

    Its a Springfield Armory Mark I receiver (oval shaped cut-out on left side of receiver) thats had a barrel change. Probably went through rebuild after WWII.

    Then sometime after that, someone sporterized it by drilling & tapping and blueing the receiver and barrel.

  6. #4
    Moderator
    (Deceased January 2016)


    Harlan (Deceased)'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    01-04-2016 @ 04:42 PM
    Location
    Texas - USA
    Age
    65
    Posts
    3,727
    Real Name
    Harlan
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    05:30 AM
    As said above, it's an early 1903 'Mark I' variant that's been through at least one arsenal rebuild (most parts refinished and swapped around by the military) and the barrel was most likely changed to a 'then' more modern WWII era HS replacement barrel.

    Many new HS barrels were scrapped after the war and bent to take them out of service, but later straightened and sold as good barrels.
    (Just something to keep in mind)

    It still would have had some collector value after being rebuilt by the military, and 'some' people would have possibly given it a little more value, though being rebuilt, just for the fact it was a 'Mark I' variant at one time. (Some would not)

    Sadly, as far as collector value, it was later 'sporterized' in the private sector after released from military service to look more like a modern hunting rifle sometime in the past, and it now has very little resale value left, other than for the few parts that haven't been altered.
    The original stock is gone and the original Mark I receiver has been drilled and tapped for a scope so it has almost no resale value now.

    Many, many old milsurp rifles were done this way, especially during the 50's and 60's because they were an inexpensive substitute for a much more expensive hunting rifle back then. Modern hunting rifles during that time period were expensive and nobody thought anything of sporterizing old milsurp rifles to be hunting rifles because people could buy them out of barrels at that time for around $20.

    Your late father-in-law was probably proud of it at one time in his life and he may have possibly done the work on it himself in his life.
    I'd keep it as a family heirloom and have fun shooting it. With the HS replacement barrel, it might make a great and accurate shooter, depending if the barrel was indeed replaced by the military during an arsenal rebuild.

    It's not a piece of junk if the barrel is good, and it might make a great hunting rifle with family history attached.
    If it were mine, I'd have it checked by a gunsmith and then take it to the range to see how it shoots. It would be nice if it groups well (probably will) and you can keep it alive!

    It just has very little resale value left. In my area an arsenal rebuilt, sporterized, D&T'd Mark I in an aftermarket stock would sell slowly for around $200 - $250.
    Last edited by Harlan (Deceased); 05-23-2010 at 11:47 PM.

  7. #5
    Advisory Panel
    Rick the Librarian's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Last On
    04-09-2023 @ 08:59 PM
    Location
    NW Washington State
    Age
    74
    Posts
    2,301
    Real Name
    Rick Slater
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    04:30 AM
    Cafdfw,

    Aren't you thinking of the Sedgely barrels that were bent and sold as scrap? Never heard of HS barrels in any quantity that this was done.

    Most High Standard barrels are very good quality.
    People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.

    --George Orwell

  8. #6
    Moderator
    (Deceased January 2016)


    Harlan (Deceased)'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    01-04-2016 @ 04:42 PM
    Location
    Texas - USA
    Age
    65
    Posts
    3,727
    Real Name
    Harlan
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    05:30 AM
    Yes, you are completely correct Rick, Sorry about that. (Old age is hitting hard lately)
    Just spent two weeks in the ICU -
    I received your books and they're outstanding. I'll get back to you on email, but wanted you to know I appreciate the books and help. I was hospitalized suddenly and out of contact with everyone.

    I think 'dude67's' sporterized rifle will probably make a good shooter.

  9. #7
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    Jeff L's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Last On
    06-22-2014 @ 04:10 PM
    Posts
    208
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    04:30 AM
    Interesting that they didn't shorten the barrel like they usually did "back in the day".

    -Jeff L

  10. #8
    Moderator
    (Deceased January 2016)


    Harlan (Deceased)'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    01-04-2016 @ 04:42 PM
    Location
    Texas - USA
    Age
    65
    Posts
    3,727
    Real Name
    Harlan
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    05:30 AM
    I thought the same this Jeff.

  11. #9
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    dude67's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Last On
    08-10-2012 @ 02:00 PM
    Posts
    13
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    07:30 AM
    Thread Starter
    Thanks alot fellas. I'm thinking of returning a military stock
    to it. I know that the receiver will ever have the unsightly tapped holes for the scope mount. But it nice and I want to Un-sport it. Where could a guy find the sight that mount on the right hand side??

  12. #10
    Moderator
    (Deceased January 2016)


    Harlan (Deceased)'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    01-04-2016 @ 04:42 PM
    Location
    Texas - USA
    Age
    65
    Posts
    3,727
    Real Name
    Harlan
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    05:30 AM
    dude67,

    Getting a stock and sight might cost more than the rifle is worth -
    (But I'd do the same thing since they didn't cut the barrel!) JMO

    Parts are still available and some of he guys here should be able to direct you to current sources. Plus there's always (gasp) eBay.
    You can get a new replica stock from the CMPicon too.
    Last edited by Harlan (Deceased); 05-26-2010 at 11:47 PM.

+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Springfield 1903 NRA Sporter Confirmation
    By 55308 in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 11-19-2009, 11:29 PM
  2. Springfield 1903 NRA Sporter on GB
    By The Wolf in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 06-25-2009, 10:28 AM
  3. Re: Springfield 1903 NRA Sporter Inquiry
    By The Wolf in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 23
    Last Post: 03-20-2009, 07:33 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
Raven Rocks