Recent purhase-Possible 1903 Match Rifle?

[doyler]

New to the site but have been a looker for a while.First post and I have some questions.

Recently picked up an 03 rifle with a 7-25 dated barrel by Sprinfield Armory.Star gauge mark at the six o'clock position and hooded front sight.Serial number 1269348.Bolt is polished.There are scope blocks too.Rear one mounted on the reciever ring and the front is mounted in front of the rear site.Hand guard has been mortised to accomodate the block and also has been shaved down for a lower profile.

I have yet to take the handguard off..See no markings on stock except a large S on the end of the forearm wood in front of the bayonet lug.I know I will need to post some pictures and if I can get time this week I will.


Thanks for all the help.

Irish

Information

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[Johnny Peppers]

Springfield 1903 serial number 1269348 is a DCM Sales rifle shipped as a Special Target. You did not mention the stock as to whether it was an S or C stock. I would have expected to see the bolt serial numbered to the receiver.

[m1903rifle]

It is listed in the SRS records as a Special Target sold by the old DCM in 1926. Some of the M1903 references explain the difference between a Special Target ( ST ) and a National Match ( NM ). Pictures will be a requirement in order for the experts to try to determine who added the scope blocks and altered the fore arm

[Rick the Librarian]

If what you say about the stock is correct, it is a replacement, a Rock Island from pre-WWI. I have a National Match with a non-serialed, polished bolt. What markings are on your bolt? (Look on the top of the bolt handle, where it joins the bolt body).

When did they start serializing the bolt to the rifle? Wasn't it after this rifle was made? I have a 1925 NM with a non-serialized J6 bolt that is polished.

[Johnny Peppers]

It will depend on whether the rifle is in original "Special Target" configuration, or a NM rebuilt as a Special Target. The original Special Target was a standard service rifle with a star gauged barrel, and as such I would not expect to see a polished bolt. Pictures needed.

[John Beard]

Springfield 1903 serial number 1269348 is a DCM Sales rifle shipped as a Special Target. You did not mention the stock as to whether it was an S or C stock. I would have expected to see the bolt serial numbered to the receiver.

The bolt on Special Target rifles from that period were neither polished nor serialized to the rifle. And neither were the receiver rails polished, for that matter.

For your info.

J.B.

[Johnny Peppers]

It will depend on whether the rifle is in original "Special Target" configuration, or a NM rebuilt as a Special Target. The original Special Target was a standard service rifle with a star gauged barrel, and as such I would not expect to see a polished bolt. Pictures needed.

From 1926 NRA/DCM Sales list:

[Calif-Steve]

Not cheap at all. A good friend on mine bought his NM '03 at Perry in 1935(?). It was sold as a used service rifle, after the Matches. It took him 2 years to save up the money.

[doyler]

Agreed
That was a chunk of change in the day.I Have a rifle my dad purchased back in or around 1960.A model 92 Winchester lever action in 25-20.He also had a 32-20 M92.When he bought these he paid $35 each at the time.Even then a stretch for a working man.He was a route driver for Coca-Cola.It was half his pay check to buy these at $35 each.Both parents were working at the time and they had my two sisters then both under 5 years old.He alsways said "How hard you think it was telling your mom I bought a rifle for $35 bucks"?

---------- Post added at 11:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:03 PM ----------

Working on getting some pics posted.

Thanks for all the comments and information posted so far.I really appreciate the the expertise given concerning my post.

[doyler]

Here are a few pics.Im not a pro at taking pictures so bare with me


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