SRS Search on M1903 please

[Cosine26]

I have researched my resources and find the following information which may add to your knowledge of your rifle.
During the 1920's the US became very active in the International rifle matches and Congress appropriated special funds to further this interest. There were several experiments made to make the M1903 rifle competitive in this field. During this period exact records may or may not have been kept, so documented information may be difficult to identify. There are several people who have better source material that I , so I shall defer to them for more detailed or accurate info.
There is a good article in the U.S. Martial Arms Collector, issue No. 133 and additional information in Brophy's book. Your rifle has several characteristics which makes it similar if not one of the original International Match (IM) rifles. The article indicates that there were fifty IM rifle manufactured in various configurations having both Remington and Winchester barrels. There is also mention of one with a Pope barrel. Most of these rifles follow in the 125XXXX serial number range, but there is one illustrated, in the article, that falls in the 126XXXX range with a Remington barrel that falls within 3255 numbers of your rifle. Brophy indicates that during the development of the IM rifles, a number of NM M1903 were being manufactured. Your rifle has some of the characteristics of the IM Rifles but differs in others.
At one time the DCM offered some of the used Heavy Barrel rifles for sale and here are the cited references from the American Rifleman Magazine:
"Heavy Barreled Rifles Available
Further research shows that in the January 1927 issue of the AMERICAN RIFLEMAN magazine, in the DCM section the following ad appears:
“A few U. S. Rifles Model of 1923, heavy barrel International are available for sale through this office. The rifle costs $85.00 plus $1.34 packing charges. It has the service action, heavy barrel, 28 or 30 inches in length, as desired, style NRA pistol grip stock without grasping grooves, and fitted with Model 1922 butt plate. It is equipped with the Lyman 48C receiver sight, and the Winchester Globe front-sight. The rifles are not equipped with set triggers or palm rests. Such additional work will not be done at the Armory, but if desired by the purchaser, they must make arrangements to have the set-triggers and palm rests made by a concern making such equipment. This is the type of rifle used by the International Team."

At one time, the Armory sold off a few USED International “FREE” rifles. In those days, the corrosive primer ruled supreme, and HiVel #2, a nitroglycerine based powder was much more uniform than the available IMR powders of the day. It was much more erosive than the IMR powders. International rifles were fired much more than the average rifle for the course of fire was 120 rounds and shooters tended to practice every day if possible. Barrels wore out due to throat erosion fairly rapidly."
Your rifle may be one of those.
As to the "straight handled bolt". a limited "J5" bolts had were DHT . According to VI's chart, these will have "J5" stamped on the bottom of the safety lug.

Hope this helps.

[rambo46]

Gentlemen,
Thank you for all this new information. I'll be meeting my friend at the rifle range this Monday and I'll bring him these findings. He'll have this rifle along with a beautiful 1888 Springfield 45/70, can't wait to shoot that one. It's going to be cold but as long as there isn't any wind it should be a good time.
I'll pass along anything that we find once we look her over again.

Bruce

[rambo46]

Things are finally settling down around here. My good friend had some important personal things to take care of over the holidays so we're a little behind on what we enjoy doing. There were no other markings on his rifle and we both looked it over very closely in sunlight. Over this summer, he is going to try to gain some information from the previous owner and the owner before him etc. It's just too nice
a rifle not to have some history along with it.
When we went shooting last December 19th, we shot his 1888 Springfield. I hope to get a few pictures of that piece soon. That serial number is 516415 and if any of you gentlemen have information on this rifle it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks much,

Bruce

[ductmate]

SRS search help please for 1270518 SA with 7-30 barrel date

[Rick the Librarian]

Nothing listed, unfortunately.

[rambo46]

Rick,

Was that for the 1888 Springfield, serial #516415 ?

Bruce

[Rick the Librarian]

That was for duchmate's request for a M1903.

[rambo46]

Rick,

Could you please check if there is any info on that 1888 Springfield ?

Thanks much,

Bruce

[Rick the Librarian]

I don't have listing for the Trapdoor. Sorry.