National Match Special
Another National Match rifle (described by Captain Crossman as the "Style NM Special") was available from the DCM during the period 1924 through 1928. It was described by the DCM in sales lists as: Rifle, U.S. Caliber .30 Model 1903 National Match Grade, fitted with model 1922 pistol grip stock with military forend.
The original Model 1922 stock was first introduced on the Model 1922 caliber .22 and caliber .30 rifles. The butt end had a pistol grip and was identical to the "Style T" and "NRA Sporter" stocks. Likewise, the buttplate was the all-steel shotgun type of those rifles. However the forend of the Model 1922 style stock, used on the NM Special Rifle, had a full length military forend without finger grooves. The stock had two reinforcing screws, which were standard to all National Match rifle stocks.
Captain Crossman's 1932 description of the NM Special Rifle states that the rifle had the service type firing pin assembly and that the receiver was drilled and tapped for a Lyman Sight.
(picture of NM Special)
Caption: "National Match Special" rifle which is a standard NM rifle fitted with a Model 1922 military type forend stock and drilled and tapped for a Lyman receiver sight,
In 1923 the DCM price for this NM Special was $40.44. From 1924 to 1928 it was $44.50.
The Model 1922 stock pistol grip stock with military forend was available through the DCM from 1924 through 1928. It was originally priced st $4.50. From 1926 to 1928 it cost the buyer $5.00. Butt plate and screws were extra.
The SA production records do not identify an "NM Special Rifle" as having been produced, as such. It can be speculated, however, that upon receipt of an order from the DCM for an NM Special Rifle, the Springfield Armory assembled an NM rifle with the special stock, giving it all the tests and inspections standard for a new NM rifle.
The stocks of NM Special rifles were not stamped on the left side with an inspector's cartouche. They were, however, stamped behind the trigger guard on the bottom of the stock with the usual circled P proofmark.