1903 national match rifles info?

[superbee]

I would like to acquire a 1903 national match target rifle.Looking for info.
What special features should I look out for?
What are the best books to buy for info?
What are the best web sites?
Any for sale anywhere?

Thanks

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Are you hoping to find one here in Canada? Good luck on that one. Most of them are in the US. Very little market for them here...

[cplstevennorton]

I don't know if there is really a difinitive tell all book on the NM's. Brophy's book on the 1903 is probably about the best that I personally know of. But if I remember right it's still not complete.

There are changes to the NM's pretty consistantly from the beginning to the late 30's.

I think most people probably think of the later C stocked NM's though when they think of a NM rifle.

Some key traits on the later ones, Pre War C stock which is usually numbered to the rifle on the underside of the buttstock. NM Polished bolt with electric pencil serial on it. Polished rails and follower. Star guaged barrel that has a star mark at the muzzle and star guage record number under the handguard. Heavy course buttplate. I think if you google this stuff, it would at least give you a general idea of what to look for. Or if you just do keyword searches on this forum or Jouster, there have been a ton of discussions on NM rifles that I think you could really learn a lot from.

Here in the states you really see a lot of them and the prices seem to be all over the place. There are also a lot of sporterized target rifles advertised as real NM's, so just make sure before you buy something, get a second opinion. Also many NM rifles were shot a lot, so pieces and parts wore out on them and were changed.

[Rick the Librarian]

Another thing to keep in mind is that NM "rifles" can be faked, as well. What's even more tricky is spotting a pre-1922 NM rifle. They lack some of the features, like the Type C stock, serial number on the stock and electropenciled bolts, among others.

Actually, 1919 NM rifles seem to be more available than many others.

[cplstevennorton]

That is a great point Rick. I see a LOT of fake star marks on the muzzle. There is a local humper to me that likes to polish bolts and etch serials on them as well. I see his work at almost every show.

[browningautorifle]

The OP's in Newfoundland Canada...and we don't get many of anything here except for the sporterized types...

[Rick the Librarian]

Newfoundland?? If the OP ever sees the Jake and Malachy Doyle of The Republic of Doyle tell them hello for me!! LOL!!

(The TV show is a favorite of mine!)

[superbee]

Thanks for all your help.I got a lot of research to do!
I collect military target rifles.I have SMLE's,DCRA's and other enfields,some swedish FSR rifles and swiss target K31's.I like to add a NM 1903 springfield.