1903 sa, nm?

[harris hawk]

SN 1256524, barrel 3-37, S stock, check'd butt plate, etched sn on polished bolt, star symbol on the crown, S.A. SPG carouche on stock, and of course a Springfield. National Match rifle? According to my info, sn falls into the range of both NM, and star gauged. Rifle is being presented as both, and priced accordingly. Yes, or no NM? Sorry no pics. BTW, first timer here Thanks.

Michael

Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

The barrel is a replacement, stock most likely is, as well, judging from the later inspection stamp. May be a put-together. Can you post some pictures?

[harris hawk]

Rick, Thanks for the info. Looks like bad news for me. Will try to post pics, spent all of my $ on rifles, not cameras. Probably should have "C" stock? Are the NM rifles bedded?

Michael

[Chuckindenver]

common issue with a few NM or Special target rifles iv seen, many were rebarreled in 37 / 38. most NM rifles in that time frame had straight grip stocks, though some were sold with a C stock.

[Johnny Peppers]

Not listed as a DCM Sales rifle. You could order a replacement NM barrel, and that is more than likely what you have.

[harris hawk]

So the rifle was never sold by the DCM, much less being a NM rifle by the receiver number. The stock, and barrel don't match the receiver, and were more likely a replacement part at sometime or another. So, just a plain M1903 all dressed up with nowhere to go. What would separate a NM rifle from a plain M1903, the polished pieces, star barrel, and what else makes it above, and beyond to be a NM rifle? Thanks for the help guys.

Michael

[Johnny Peppers]

All conjecture, but the rifle could have been a NM rifle, but not sold through the DCM. I don't know how they got out, but there are NM rifles out there that were not sold through the DCM. It could have been returned to SA in the time frame of the barrel date to have a new NM barrel fitted, getting the SA/SPG stamp on the original stock at that time. If it had been a complete rebuild, the stock would have been changed.

[harris hawk]

Pics are in my gallery now. Let me know if others are needed and I'll put them in the gallery, if that's ok.

[Johnny Peppers]

The star gage mark on the muzzle looks original, but the serial number on the bolt does not. Also, during that period only the last five digits of the serial number were on the bolt.

[harris hawk]

Would there not be proof marks on the barrel, or stock after the rifle had been rebuilt? Also, was there nothing on the rifle saying it was a NM rifle? I was also noting the fonts of the numerals on your bolt, and mine. The 2, and 6 do look very similar. Are there any other pics that would be helpful, sorry for the poor quality of my pics. Thanks for the pic, and help.

Michael