Springfield M1922 M2

[CnRcollector]

I just saw a Springfield M1922 M2, SN 131 at a gun show. Non-dealer selling for $1600. (I wasn't carrying $1600 anyway)

Had an SA open box cartouche on the grasping groove stock with a solid checkered butt plate. I did not get the barrel date, but it did have the Lyman front sight. M2 bolt and all other marks in the right places. No rust visible or major dings anyplace.

In general good, but not "polished-up" condition, with an old 1907 sling and one magazine.

Do you think this one is worth pursuing? Been wanting one for a while.

Thanks, Chuck

Information

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[Herschel]

Chuck, The SA open box cartouche is a rebuild cartouche. This almost guarantees the finish on the rifle is not original. The description of 1922 M2 doesn't help me learn which model we are talking about. It is either a model of 1922, Model of 1922M1, Model of 1922MII or Cal. .22 M2. Do you recall which of these markings were on the receiver ring? If it is marked 1922, 1922M1, or 1922MII the M2 bolt will not be original. If it is marked CAL..22 M2, it would have originally been equipped with the early M2 bolt that lacks the headspace adjustment feature. This bolt is easily recognized as the locking lug looks exactly like safety lug on a 1903 bolt. The Lyman front sight is a common AFTERMARKET upgrade. A simple military post was on that rifle when it was originally shipped as a new item. I wish the seller well in his effort to get $1,600.00. If the rifle is not an early M2 Rifle with the original bolt and finish, it is overpriced. I can only get $1,200 to $1,300 for similar rifles.

[CnRcollector]

Thanks Herschel!

The receiver was definitely marked M2, and that low SN puts it in the range of the (original) non-adjustable bolt heads.

It was a typical Gun Show scenario, very crowded, dim light, and no price marked. When I asked the seller he told me the price, but added that an experienced collector, Mr. xxxx?, from Texas told him it should be $2400.
I mentioned that the open-box SA cartouche meant that it was a rebuild, but he dismissed my input. It was too busy to command his attention much longer than that, for additional inspection and questions.

He is local to me, a private collector, sharing a booth with some friends selling a lot of other overpriced milsurps. I decided to just get his contact info, return home to Brophy and the expert help on CSP. I wasn't ready to buy an M1922 at this show because I never expected to see one there, usually just a place for ammo, carry handguns & Ar's. I am pretty good with Garands & M1 Carbines, but have to consult my references for things like the M1922.

He is only about 7 mi. from me, so I may contact him about this piece. I would love to be able to find an original, but I am going to shoot it, as I do with all of my other milsurps, and maybe even more since it is a .22.

Regards, Chuck

[Mike Haas]

Thanks Herschel!

The receiver was definitely marked M2, and that low SN puts it in the range of the (original) non-adjustable bolt heads.

It was a typical Gun Show scenario, very crowded, dim light, and no price marked. When I asked the seller he told me the price, but added that an experienced collector, Mr. xxxx?, from Texas told him it should be $2400.
I mentioned that the open-box SA cartouche meant that it was a rebuild, but he dismissed my input. It was too busy to command his attention much longer than that, for additional inspection and questions.

He is local to me, a private collector, sharing a booth with some friends selling a lot of other overpriced milsurps. I decided to just get his contact info, return home to Brophy and the expert help on CSP. I wasn't ready to buy an M1922 at this show because I never expected to see one there, usually just a place for ammo, carry handguns & Ar's. I am pretty good with Garands & M1 Carbines, but have to consult my references for things like the M1922.

He is only about 7 mi. from me, so I may contact him about this piece. I would love to be able to find an original, but I am going to shoot it, as I do with all of my other milsurps, and maybe even more since it is a .22.

Regards, Chuck

CnR - Take 10 $100.00 Bills if you go to see him. Lay 8 of them in front of him after reinspecting the rifle. If he says No add one more bill to the pile. If he still says No....then dependant upon your desire and what you saw during your re-inspection, lay out your last $100.00 Bill. If he still says No; scoope your cash, talk about the weather and go home.

[Herschel]

Chuck, The original finish on the M2 Rifle in question would have been black parkerized. If it is gray or greenish it is refinished. From my experience I would say at most 5% of the M2 Rifles escaped refinishing. The bolt well, round channel the bolt moves in, was in the white when the Springfield .22's left Springfield Armory as new rifles. If this area is in the white, the finish is quite likely original. If it is parkerized, it is has been refinished for sure.

Original finish M2's with the non-adjustable bolt are quite scarce. A nice one might bring $1,600 from an advanced collector. Do me an favor and see if you can find out for me the name of the Texan who says the M2 is worth $2,400. I have some rifles I would like to sell him. Being a Texan, he might have deep pockets. ha ha

[CnRcollector]

Thanks for the tips Herschel. I looked in Brophy, Poyer, and Flayderman, and none of them address the issue of park color, they all just say parkerized.

I'll try to contact the seller this week and get another detailed look at it in better lighting. As I recall now, the receiver was gray, and the barrel black.

I doubt I will offer more than $1200 unless I see something really exciting, but I will start lower and work up to that.

Herschel, you really need to write a book!

[emmagee1917]

Hmmmm...well , if orig. finish or milt re-do , the bbl and reciever should match , or at least be very , very close. Chris

[Herschel]

emmagee1917, Which of the 1922 series rifles are you talking about? Some of the 1922M1 Sales rifles have a blue receiver with barrel and triggerguard assembly blued. The 1922M1 DCM Club issue rifles have a blued receiver and triggerguard but a parkerized barrel.

[emmagee1917]

I was talking about the M2s. But I am no expert on these , just drawing from what I've seen and military rifles in general. If I mis-spoke , my appoliges to all. Chris

[Herschel]

emmagee1917, No apology is necessary. All M2's Rifles were parkerized up to sn 10000 or so were black parkerized, later ones were grey or greenish. From my experience I would estimate that 95% of the M2 Rifles went through refinishing.