Star Gauging Record for M1903 Ser# 1,180,984

[M1903Guy]

I was going through some of my old boxes today and came across a "STAR GAUGING RECORD FOR U.S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL OF M1903 SERIAL NUMBER 1180984" It is a hanging tag on card stock. It is 9 3/4 inches by 2 3/4 inches. It was a standard form 'Form Ex-4. 4-28-'19-7000" (which I am guessing is the printing date and number printed) for use on several types of rifles so the model number is hand written in. It has three columns: The left most is "Distance from Muzzle. INCHES" and has printed blocks from 0 to 27. The middle column "Lands Diameter. INCHES" (in this case blocks 0 thru 21 are all stamped "3004". The right most column is "Grooves. Diameter. INCHES. (blocks 0 thru 21 are all stramped with "3085". Interesting piece of ephemera. I'd always hoped to stumble across the rifle.

Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

The serial number isn't listed on SRS but I'd be willing to bet a National Match. Nice little piece of history, especially if the owner of the rifle shows up.

[Johnny Peppers]

This one is to a Sporter replacement barrel. The a335 is the star gage record number which is also on the barrel.

It is interesting to note that the early record card has the measurement recorded every inch, where the later card only shows the beginning and ending number with apparently no variance.

[Fred G.]

My rifle, 1181006, is a 1920 National Match rifle with a 11-19 dated barrel, so I think that this rifle, 1180984 must also have been a 1920 National Match rifle. I wonder where it is now?

---------- Post added at 12:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:19 PM ----------

My rifle, 1181006, is a 1920 National Match rifle with a 11-19 dated barrel, so I think that this rifle, 1180984 must also have been a 1920 National Match rifle. I wonder where it is now?

[M1903Guy]

It would be nice to link the rifle and record back up. I always carry my little gunshow bag in the trunk of the car - flashlight (is it me or is the light at gunshows/pawnshops, etc. always bad?), magnifying glass (ok, so it is probably me), C&R copies, field notes and a 3x5 card with my "needs" written on the first page. 1,180,984 has been on there through many updates. Once I made the switch from "accumulator" to "collector" keeping a focused plan became important.

[browningautorifle]

Not really you...I've notice many venues have little light. One here is held in an old agricultural barn and the light is abysmal. If you don't carry a flashlight, you can't see anything.

[Calif-Steve]

If I recall it anyone could send in an M1903 barrel for star gauging at Springfield. They charged a very small fee for the service. The barrels were very uniform and would commonly pass the inspection. Bedding and trigger all helped make a rifle accurate. Also, the nut behind the rifle had to do his job, as well.

[Johnny Peppers]

Springfield did star gage the barrels of the early 1903 NM rifles before it was marked on the barrel. Just a way of assuring that the barrels were uniform. It is something like the 1 of 1000 Winchester. It might not have been any better but the mystique is undeniable.

I was aware for a period of time you could have the barrel of a Service rifle being purchased through the NRA/DCM star gaged, but never knew you could send a barrel back and have it star gaged.