National match 1903A1?

[Johnny Peppers]

The Model 1903 and 1903A1 NM rifles were not offered for sale fitted with the Lyman 48 sight in the DCM brochures of the day, but that is not to say that you couldn't order one that way. In the same brochure offering the rifles you could purchase the Lyman 48 sight which came with the proper size tap. The Model B National Match rifle did come drilled and tapped for the Lyman 48.

For a while you could order the 1903 Service Rifle, and for a small fee have the barrel star gaged. There was also the Special Target which came fitted with a star gaged barrel, but did not have the polishing and fitting of the NM rifles. The NRA Sporter also came with a star gaged barrel of a slightly heavier contour than that of the 1903 rifle. Also, the star gaged barrel could be ordered from the DCM.

Examine the inletting cut in the stock for the sight. They were machine cut at Springfield, and any done later usually show the lack of skill in the inletting. In my opinion it does affect the value of the NM rifle if the sight was fitted after purchase.

Information

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[Jason60chev]

I own an SRS documented M1903A1 NM rifles from 1932....SN is 1402XXX. It has been drilled and tapped for the Lyman sight and the holes have very small screws inserted. The screw heads do not appear to have ever been removed. The stock has NOT been cut for the sight.

The Model 1903 and 1903A1 NM rifles were not offered for sale fitted with the Lyman 48 sight in the DCM brochures of the day, but that is not to say that you couldn't order one that way. In the same brochure offering the rifles you could purchase the Lyman 48 sight which came with the proper size tap. The Model B National Match rifle did come drilled and tapped for the Lyman 48.

For a while you could order the 1903 Service Rifle, and for a small fee have the barrel star gaged. There was also the Special Target which came fitted with a star gaged barrel, but did not have the polishing and fitting of the NM rifles. The NRA Sporter also came with a star gaged barrel of a slightly heavier contour than that of the 1903 rifle. Also, the star gaged barrel could be ordered from the DCM.

Examine the inletting cut in the stock for the sight. They were machine cut at Springfield, and any done later usually show the lack of skill in the inletting. In my opinion it does affect the value of the NM rifle if the sight was fitted after purchase.

[ArtPahl]

Brophy's book indicates that NM rifles were not d&t'ed with the exception of style "B". Style "B" NM's were d&T'ed for the 48 but the stock wasn't cut for it.

Sorry if I'm repeating info that's already been posted but it was asked what Brophy wrote on the subject.