A Huntin' Rifle

[gsthreeeight]

I found this Sporter at an Astro Hall gunshow in early 1993. I didn't know too much about them, just enought to recognize it as possibly something special. I noted the hand engraved SN on the bolt, the "turtle" stamp on the muzzle crown and the Lyman 48 rear sight. The recoil pad and Lyman front sight were obviously not original but didn't detract from from its appeal. A book seller and Brophy's book provided some needed info, though if I remember correctly, it didn't show any Sporters made in 1926.

After strolling as casually as I could back to where the rifle was and inspecting it one more time, I inquired after the price. When the seller answered, I damn near sprained my wrist getting my billfold out. No dickering. Paid cash and left. Apparently they assumed it was just another sporterised 1903.

It took me about five years to learn about the Springfield Research Service and in March of 1998 I sent off the information to see if it would "letter". It did, and the information from Frank Mallory arrived in due time.

The rifle was originally sold in October 1926 to a gentleman in a small town on the Hudson river above Schenectady, NY. From the wear patterns on the receiver and floor plate it would appear that one or more of this rifles owners spent a great deal of time carrying it afield. It is certainly used but not abused. The installation of the recoil pad and front sight would have been perfectly acceptable considering the intended use of the Sporter.

It remains the only rifle I've ever bought that I did NOT take apart and clean up. It just seemed there was too much history in it to disturb for no good reason. After shooting it, I became superstitious that anything I did to it would be unlikely to improve it. The action is velvety smooth; the trigger breaks like the proverbial glass rod. It is a joy to take to the range. As you can see from the targets, when I do my part, it is fully capable of excellent accuracy.

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[1911Ron]

Neat looking Rifle. Interesting story very cool.