Early 1903 NRA Sporter or Sporterized 1903 Forgery ??

[msup13]

I would really appreciate the input and expertise of the forum members to find out exactly what I have here. All my research efforts have hit a wall and lead me to believe its either an early 1903 NRA Sporter that has possibly had some parts changed out over its life or an attempt to piece one together.

Factory Markings:
Serial Number: 1277575 (1927 MFG)
Barrel Date: 4-27 (punchmark in center of flaming bomb)
Star Gauge Marking at 6 o'clock position at end of barrel
Star Gauge Drawing Number: B886 (located on underside of barrel about 6" from receiver side end)
Stock: Circled P on pistol grip style stock
Barrel Band: "U" stamped

Lyman 40 sights appear correct. Hooded front sight I believe was an option for NRA Sporters. Hawkins rubber butt pad I would assume is incorrect and is an aftermarket addition.

The bolt definitely does not look correct for an NRA Sporter, at least by any example I could find, as none had a serrated bolt handle. It does appear to be highly polished, though, and that the serial number was electro penciled on the top of the bolt, which would be correct for early variants of Sporters. The first two digits of the serial engraving has since been worn off. Most of the MFG marking on the top of the bolt handle has worn away, as well. It appears to have been two characters where the first is unreadable but the second looked to have been a "5"

I have set up a google photos folder with some detailed photos of the rifle and above referenced information. Please find the link to the folder below.

I inquired on the CMP forum regarding an SRS hit and unfortunately there was none for this serial number. Let me know if there are any other pictures or info that I can provide to help out.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/LAV2fsCRcwzmvcGY6

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[rcathey]

Hmm, that's odd...I got a hit for it:

1277575SPT 092427DCM RIFLE SALES 1922-42

It's a shame about the recoil pad...the originals are so cool.
Still a good looking rifle. I'm a bit of a collector so it's always nice to see pics. Thanks for posting!

[msup13]

Hmm, that's odd...I got a hit for it:

1277575SPT 092427DCM RIFLE SALES 1922-42

It's a shame about the recoil pad...the originals are so cool.
Still a good looking rifle. I'm a bit of a collector so it's always nice to see pics. Thanks for posting!

Thank you for the confirmation regarding the validity of the rifle through the SRS!

Is the bolt original to the rifle? I’ve never seen an example as such with the shorter arm and serrated bolt handle.

[rcathey]

That’s a bit outside my wheelhouse. I typically go for gunsmith sporterized rifles, not the NRA ones like this.
The one I do have has also been sporterized.

Following along with interest though!

[champ0608]

At the very least the bolt handle has been modified. They never came from the factory like that. The same for the recoil pad.

Luckily the basic integrity of the rifle is makes it clear how the it started life. It might not still be a pristine collector's piece, but no less, its a nice rifle with a story to tell.

[EriCal]

My Springfields: M2, Sedgley, G&H, G&H, NRA Sporter, NRA Sporter, NRA Sporter.

[msup13]

At the very least the bolt handle has been modified. They never came from the factory like that. The same for the recoil pad.

Luckily the basic integrity of the rifle is makes it clear how the it started life. It might not still be a pristine collector's piece, but no less, its a nice rifle with a story to tell.

Thank you for the confirmation on the bolt. It didn’t seem original but the engraving of the serial on the top threw me off. It originally got me thinking the rifle was an attempt at a forgery but now knowing it is an authentic rifle that the owner had to replace the bolt at some point and just engraved the serial info on it to stay consistent with how the previous bolt was.

[Herschel]

I collect the NRA sporters and can offer this opinion about the subject rifle. The bolt handle has been altered to clear a scope. If you look on the bridge I believe you will
find aftermarket drilled and tapped holes, or hole for the rear base of a more modern scope base. If the rifle came from SA with special order scope blocks there would be two
holes drilled and tapped in the receiver ring and two more holes drilled and tapped in the barrel centered 7.2 inches forward of the rear holes. I believe the high polished finish on the bolt was done after the
bolt handle had been modified. I believe the bolt to be original to the rifle. The rear sight is a Lyman 48C (has the windage scale in front of the aperture). The correct
rear sight for an NRA sporter is the 48S. I has a hinged peep that can be turned down in the front of the threaded aperture hole. It also had the windage scale behind the
aperture. The front sight is a Lyman 17A XNB which was introduced in 1963 for use on the 1903A3 but would also fit the 1903.

I believe the rifle was modified for a target shooter. I can't see the index marks on the elevation knob well enough to count them. I believe they may be 1/3 minute clicks. That would be
to permit more precise windage adjustments. The Lyman 48S had 1/2 minute clicks.

For what it's worth,

[msup13]

I collect the NRA sporters and can offer this opinion about the subject rifle. The bolt handle has been altered to clear a scope. If you look on the bridge I believe you will
find aftermarket drilled and tapped holes, or hole for the rear base of a more modern scope base. If the rifle came from SA with special order scope blocks there would be two
holes drilled and tapped in the receiver ring and two more holes drilled and tapped in the barrel centered 7.2 inches forward of the rear holes. I believe the high polished finish on the bolt was done after the
bolt handle had been modified. I believe the bolt to be original to the rifle. The rear sight is a Lyman 48C (has the windage scale in front of the aperture). The correct
rear sight for an NRA sporter is the 48S. I has a hinged peep that can be turned down in the front of the threaded aperture hole. It also had the windage scale behind the
aperture. The front sight is a Lyman 17A XNB which was introduced in 1963 for use on the 1903A3 but would also fit the 1903.

I believe the rifle was modified for a target shooter. I can't see the index marks on the elevation knob well enough to count them. I believe they may be 1/3 minute clicks. That would be
to permit more precise windage adjustments. The Lyman 48S had 1/2 minute clicks.

For what it's worth,

Herschel,

Everything that you said makes sense and matches up with the rifle. The bridge is drilled and tapped, as well, like you said

The elevation and windage adjustments are both 1/2 minute click, which reading up on the sight was standard for the 48C

I thank you for the information and your knowledge on the subject.