Griffin& & Howe-modified NRA Sporter

[Rick the Librarian]

After viewing (and drooling over) Michael Petrov's works of art (which are sometimes disguised under the name of "sporterized M1903s") over the past several years, I made up my mind I had to have one example. One made its appearance, and, after accumulating the funds, I gathered it in.

According to Michael, it is a Griffin & Howe-modified NRA Sporter. The serial number is 1295379, indicating it is one of the nickel steel receivers "imported" from Rock Island. It has a Star Gauge barrel, although the commercial front sight hides all the barrel information. The best I can make out is a Springfield 1928 barrel. The Star Gauge registration number is underneath, on the bottom of the barrel, like it is on all NRA Sporters.

The rifle is in excellent shape. There was a little bit of surface rust on the Lyman rear sight and a couple of other places. Nearly all of it cleaned up nicely. The "brightwork" on the J5 bolt body is a little tarnished (no etched serial number is present). There also appears to be some "peeling" or wear on the bolt collar. The condition of the finish on the barreled receiver is immaculate and the bore gauges out to a shade over 1.

The stock was installed by Griffin & Howe, I assume. It appears somewhat dark, although it appears more from the finish, rather than from any wear (there is virtually none).

The pictures below are virtually "out of the [mailing] box", so you'll see some light rust and tarnish in a few places that is no longer there. I'll try to take some "updated" pictures which will show it after it has been cleaned.

Sincere thanks to Michael Petrov for his help in identifying this rifle and suggesting ways to clean her up. Also, thanks go to the former owner for making this rifle available!

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