help identifying 1903

[jayveesea]

hello,

i was wondering if i could some help identifying a 1903. it looks like it may be a sporter, but i am not sure... it has a peep site, and the stock only goes about half way down the barrel. anyways, it was made by springfiels armory, serial# is 1276011, and it has a j5 stamped on the bolt lever.

thanks,
-j

Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

It is listed on Springfield Research Service as an NRA Sporter, which was sold in 1927.

If you can post pictures, we can tell you how original it still is. A number were modified to a lesser or greater extent.

[jayveesea]

thanks for the reply and info! i do not have access to the gun right now, but when i do i'll post some pictures.

one thing i was questioning is that the stock has no checkering (although the stock does have the pistol grip).

is the "Springfield Research Service" available online? if not, how does one obtain a copy?


thanks,
-john

[Rick the Librarian]

The NRA Sporter had a modified sporter stock with no checkering.

Getting a letter from SRS is a little complicated. You have to subscribe to their magazine and gets you the right to buy a letter. The letter mainly consists of a letter of authentication and a photocopy of the sales receipt, telling you who the rifle was sold. Do a Google or Yahoo search on "Springfield Research Service" and that should get you to their website.

Below are a few pictures of an NRA Sporter I had a few years ago, to give you an idea what they look like.

[Herschel]

John, Congratulations on your find. The bolt should have the serial number etched in electric pencil on the top, visible when the bolt is closed. The barrel date should be stamped behind the front sight. It will be something like 4 27 (April 1927).
The most common modification to these rifles is shortening the stock and/or installing a recoil pad. The NRA Sporters were not modified military 1903's, they were made up from new receivers to be sold as NRA Sporters. Unless you know how to clean the rifle without removing the finish on the metal or wood, I suggest get expert advice before any cleaning is attempted. I am looking forward to seeing pictures of the rifle.