Sporter

[Randy A]

I have never seen any variations of the 03 or A3, or at least one that I knew. All have been sporterized by "Bubba" as some say. I am not sure of the number of variations either. I've heard of the NRA Sporter and some have mentioned a Springfield Sporter etc. I guess I have a couple questions, 1 how many variations are there, 2 how do I identify one, ie. shortened barrel (thicker w/o machine marks for rear sight sleeve, modified bolt handle, stock etc. Thanks

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[Herschel]

The 1903 NRA Sporter has a slightly thicker barrel than the Issue Type 1903. It lacks the groove at the rear of the barrel. The stock is the half stock style and very similar to commercial bolt action hunting rifles. The buttplate is a thick "shotgun type". The most noticeable feature is the barrel band that goes around the stock and barrel in a stepped down area about four inches from the front of the stock. There were only about 5,000 NRA Sporters made by SA. There are untold thousands of sporterized issue type rifles. Some are as ugly as a burned stump and some are works of art.
If you are interested in the 1903 Springfields I suggest you go to an internet book seller and get a copy of the Springfield 1903 Rifles by Brophy. I bought a new one last year for $45.00.

[Chuckindenver]

the NRA sporter and other special rifles, have some special things that only they have, one is the top side of the receiver edge is rounded above the wood line only.
the 1922 rifles iv seen have the same thing.
they also made the NRA barrel with a conture for the rear sight base, but they didnt have the keyway for the index key.

[Michael Petrov]

the NRA sporter and other special rifles, have some special things that only they have, one is the top side of the receiver edge is rounded above the wood line only.

As a general rule that's true but there are exceptions. A few years ago I talked A friend out of buying a inexpensive NRA sporter because the receiver ring was still sharp. He passed and later we ran the number, it came back OK.

[Chuckindenver]

i agree.
i owned one once, that had a sharp edge, and know the original owner , who told me he didnt like the finish, of the metal and wood, so he sent it back to SA and had them high polish blue, replace the stock, and give it a clossy finish as well, it had a sharp edge, as well.
but, {most} will have rounded edges.

[Jim Tarleton]

My two cents. I own a lot of hunting rifles, but not one compares to the NRA Sporter I use currently. The combination of balance, accuracy, and utility are unsurpassed. Many rifles may look cosmetically better, but darn few perform any better.

One cannot possibly go wrong with an NRA Sporter, be it as a collector piece or for hunting.

Jim

[Rick the Librarian]

Chuck,

How did you get to be a "Really Senior Member"?? Do they have another category for MORE senior members entitled, "Members older than dirt"???

[Chuckindenver]

oh my gawd, thats funny, days like today, i feel reeeaaaall old..knees, back, all my old dirt bike wounds are acting up, gonna snow again tonight,,
im sick of the snow..really, im so ready for summer.