1922M2 Manufacture

[Leggett71]

Just found a 19922M2 at a local dealer. Rifle looks used but in good shape. Rifle has a low number sn 2945. Looking for any info you might have. Barrel is 1933 manufacture. Lyman 48C rear sight & Lyman globe front. NS M2 bolt.

Will try to post photos shortly.

Leggett

Information

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[Leggett71]

Photos added

[Cosine26]

I thought that by this time one of the experts who is more knowledgable than I may have answered you rquestions but since thay haven't I shall take a stab at it.
1. Your rifle is identified as an U.S. Springfield M2 22 and is one of the early ones of this model. This was the final version of the M1922 series. There were basically three configurations (M1922, M1922M1,and M2) and each versin had its own serial number series so yours is an early one in the M2 series. With a serial number under 3800 it should have a solid, contoured locking lug with no headspace adjustment provision.I cannot see the locking lug in any of your pictures so cannot determine the vintage of your bolt. I believe that the early bolts are relatively rare.
2. The Lyman 48 is a late model Lyman 48C, post WWII. Because it has the arrows on it , it is very late. It has 1/4 minute adjustments for windage and elevation. The original Lyman 48C required the stock cutout on your stock, had a different elevating mechinism with a small unmarked windage and elevatiion knobs. The adjusments were 1/2 MOA.
3. The front sight on your rifle is a Lyman 17A designed for use on the 03A3. On the M1903, the front sight base was dove tailed and a front sight assembly was installled seperately. The front sight assembly removed and replaced with a reversed dovetailed 17A. The 03A3 had a different front sight base tht did not have the removable front sight assembly and the original 17A would not fit. Lyman then manufactured a 17A (I believe that it was the Lyman17AXF B) which included the 17A sight and an integral band. The 03A3 band was removed and the front sight would be replaced by the 03A3 assembly.
4. To me it looks as if your barrel and redeiver have been blued, but pictures sometimes do not show true results.
* In October 1957 the army released, through the DCM, a number of M1 AND M2 22 rifles. They were availabe as 'serviceable' ($30) and 'unserviceble' ($15). The purchaser had no choice, he took what the ordnance department sent him. I was lucky and received a serviceable M1922M1I which was the original M1922M1 upgraded to the "M2" configuration by the ordnance department. The original owner of your rifle could have replaced the original sights because he wanted to use the rifle in competition and take advantage of the 1/4 minute rear sight. Or maybe he received an unserviceable M2 and replaced the missing parts.
I hope this helps.

[Herschel]

I think Cosine26 has pretty well covered the description of the rifle. The finish looks like the flat black parkerizing of the 1930's. It could be mistaken for a blue type finish. The later Lyman 48 could be replaced with the earlier model with what I call a deep base. The correct sight would fill the unsightly hole beneath the base. As best I can from the photo, the bolt is the early M2 type that Cosine26 described. The rifle serial number would be etched on the bottom of the bolt if the bolt is original to the rifle or an arsenal replacement.

[Leggett71]

Thanks for the help. I dabble in 1903's and the info in those books on 1922's left questions as to the M2's origin.

Rifle is currently in layaway awaiting my bonus to go pick up. Have other 22 trainers but a 1922 was not in the stable. Looks as this will be a nice addition.
An fyi the front sight is one piece, did not show well in pics, possibly a 17 AXF you noted.
Did not think to look at bolt for a SN but there was no headspace adjustment on the lug.

Thanks again
Leggett

[Herschel]

The M2 bolt w/o headspace adjustment is a real plus. The first 4,300 (Brophy's book is wrong) or so M2 Rifles came with the early non-adjustable bolt. I agree with Cosine26 that M2's with the early bolt are rare. Since it has the early bolt that is correct for the rifle I would bet that the bolt is numbered to the rifle. The front sight can be restored to original configuration with a 1903 that are available and relatively cheap. You could probably find one that matches the finish on your rifle. If you are a shooter you might want to leave the present sights on it as the globe front is better and the Lyman 48 has quarter minute clicks, as Cosine26 mentioned. Congratulations on the find. Please let us know about the finish and bolt number when you get it in your possession.

[Leggett71]

A thanks to all who responded. Can't wait to get it out of hock and to the range.

Leggett

[Cosine26]

Hi Leggett171.
I researched my old Lyman catalogs and what you have for a front sight is the Lyman 17A XNB, which was designed to replace the 03A3 front sight assembly. It will work OK on your rifle. If you with to restore it, you will need a 03 front sight base and the Lyman 17A XFA. If you want to restore it to original, you will need the base and movable stud assembly. The M2 blade is shorter than the 03 blade but an 03 blade will work OK. Hope this helps.

[Leggett71]

Thanks Cosine for researching the sight, Probably leave it as is for now.
Just got it out of lay-away this morning and will post some pics soon.
FYI the bolt is etched with the correct SN, no adjusting screw on bolt. So looks like quite a find, nice early model M2.
If the weather holds will take it to the range this weekend.

Again thanks for everyones comments. Great forum, lots of info exchanged.

Leggett

[Leggett71]

Photos as promised

http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...ps63f4927d.jpg
http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...ps92a0ad5e.jpg
http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3f95d183.jpg
http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...psa397f3fc.jpg
http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...psc248b800.jpg
http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...pse64345aa.jpg
http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...ps86a879a4.jpg

http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/...psef768c42.jpg

Enjoy
leggett