Unusual .22 cal 1922 full stock with '03 barrel sight

[Johnny Peppers]

I believe the front barrel band (bayonet lug) is from a Mosin-Nagant rifle.

[browningautorifle]

I don't believe that's possible...none that I've seen...

[Hugh]

Sharp eyes Johnny Peppers. I know there is something odd about the bayonet lug - that's why I photo's it. The lug itself is much smaller than the lug on other '03s. I measured the width of a '03 lug and it is 7/16ths wide. This lug is about 5/16ths. The length of the '03 lug is about 9/16ths. The length of the .22 lug is about 7/16ths. Also look at the bolt hole in the side of the front band. The bolt is through the lower portion of the band - on an '03 it is through the middle of the band. But, what the barrel band may be from I have no idea. And, why was this done at all? Why not use an '03 front band?
Hugh

[Herschel]

Hugh,

The production figures on page 288 in Brophy indicate 1922M1 #10498 was produced in 1927. While some suggest that a receiver may have been "on the back of the shelf", or whatever, and assembled into a rifle years later, I think it highly unlikely that is what happened to this rifle. I would bet that it was assembled into a rifle in 1927, rebarreled after the date on the barrel and the M2 bolt installed sometime after 1935 when the M2 bolt with adjustable headspace came into production.

Now for some very interesting information; Springfield Research Service records show an entry "1922M1 110239 USMCR". The abbreviation USMCR in today's world means U. S. Marine Corps Reserve. I don't know if there was a Marine Corps Reserve in 1939. This gives very slight credibility to the story that I have heard, without documentation, that the USMC modified some of the Springfield .22's into the 1903 configuration. So far, I believe that the only modification to the 1903 stock is the slight mortised out place in the front of the magazine well that allows insertion of the .22 magazine. In case it could ever be proven that the USMC modified your rifle, it would instantly be a very unique and collectable item. I certainly would not modify the rifle in any manner whatsoever.

[Hugh]

Hershel - thank you very much for the informed opinion re the receiver and re-barreling. Makes sense. The USMCR reference is tantalizing. I just did a google search of ""United States Marine Corps Reserve' 1939" and find that such an organization DID exist in 1939. I'll certainly not do anything with the rifle....other than shoot it. If it could only talk..........
Thanks once again. If I do stumble upon information regarding the USMCR and .22 modifications I'll certainly let you know.
Hugh

[Herschel]

Hugh,

Thanks. That SRS entry and the existence of your rifle are the only evidence I know of that supports the "story" that the USMC did 1922M1/1922M2 conversions to 1903 configuration. Good luck on your effort to find "the rest of the story".

[Johnny Peppers]

Couldn't remember where I had seen it, but finally found it. Story rather vague, but rifle with the bayonet lug shown may have been assembled by Bannermans. The lug is not Springfield, and appears identical to one in photo.

[Hugh]

That does appear to be exactly what is on my rifle. I wonder what it came from....and, why? It would appear that a '03 would work.
Hugh

[browningautorifle]

I could see the lug was shorter than standard, but it didn't mean much because of it's current location. I never know what the US armorer has to do to make a bayonet fit...hard to say what was done or why. The one you have pictured done by Bannerman, that explains lots because of their history of Frankenrifles. Would the lug and band be M1917?

[Johnny Peppers]

I believe you are correct that the band is from a Model 1917 rifle. Could the entire rifle have been a Bannerman, as they certainly didn't mind mixing parts.