Post by rickthelibrarian on Sept 14, 2008 9:18:08 GMT -5
VeeVee gave me a special "dispensation" to post this. A National Match M1903 rifle was made in relatively limited quantities, mostly between 1919 and 1939. As you can see it got extra "care" during production. They were used at the National Matches at Camp Perry, OH. I've wondered if any Philippine Scout teams ever participated, although I know it was a long distance to come.
One of my collecting goals has always been a National Match M1903. Usually, the prices are in the stratosphere and fakes are often sold for almost as much. A few weeks ago, I was emailing a gentleman about another rifle when I asked if he had any M1903s. He sent me a picture of a NM he said he'd like to sell. I jokingly asked how many "pounds of flesh" he was asking. He replied with a high price, but not so high that my brain couldn't start working on how to raise the money!
I figured that I could get the money if I sold a LN M1903 and a very nice Trapdoor I said been "hoarding." The two rifles sold relatively quickly and after a time of waiting that seemed only about as long as the last century, the rifle arrived.
The receiver is serialed 1,370,112, which probably dates to early 1932; the barrel is a Star Gauged SA 5-32. The MW is just a hair over 1 and the bore is almost immaculate. The stock is a pre-war Type C with a DAL inspection stamp. There is a small chunk out of the small of the stock, as you can see by the picture. The rifle came with a Model 1921 front sight protector as well as an O'Hare rear sight protector, as well.
The rifle has all the characteristics of a NM M1903 --
1) The serial number is etched in the bolt body (the bolt is a NS-stamped one)
2) The follower and bolt "raceways" are polished
3) The rear sight leaf is polished, although somewhat tarnished.
4) The barrel has a correct Star Gauge mark on the muzzle.
5) It has the later "coarse" buttplate with trap
6) The rifle's serial number is stamp on the butt of the stock near the lower swivel
The rifle showed evidence of use. I already mentioned the chunk out of the stock. The bolt and rear sight leaf are tarnished. The lower band is devoid of almost all it's finish. However, it has all the characteristoics of a National Match rifle. The safety and rear sight binding screw may have been replaced.
Needless to say, I was thrilled to get this rifle and it will be one of the centerpieces of my collection!!
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One of my collecting goals has always been a National Match M1903. Usually, the prices are in the stratosphere and fakes are often sold for almost as much. A few weeks ago, I was emailing a gentleman about another rifle when I asked if he had any M1903s. He sent me a picture of a NM he said he'd like to sell. I jokingly asked how many "pounds of flesh" he was asking. He replied with a high price, but not so high that my brain couldn't start working on how to raise the money!
I figured that I could get the money if I sold a LN M1903 and a very nice Trapdoor I said been "hoarding." The two rifles sold relatively quickly and after a time of waiting that seemed only about as long as the last century, the rifle arrived.
The receiver is serialed 1,370,112, which probably dates to early 1932; the barrel is a Star Gauged SA 5-32. The MW is just a hair over 1 and the bore is almost immaculate. The stock is a pre-war Type C with a DAL inspection stamp. There is a small chunk out of the small of the stock, as you can see by the picture. The rifle came with a Model 1921 front sight protector as well as an O'Hare rear sight protector, as well.
The rifle has all the characteristics of a NM M1903 --
1) The serial number is etched in the bolt body (the bolt is a NS-stamped one)
2) The follower and bolt "raceways" are polished
3) The rear sight leaf is polished, although somewhat tarnished.
4) The barrel has a correct Star Gauge mark on the muzzle.
5) It has the later "coarse" buttplate with trap
6) The rifle's serial number is stamp on the butt of the stock near the lower swivel
The rifle showed evidence of use. I already mentioned the chunk out of the stock. The bolt and rear sight leaf are tarnished. The lower band is devoid of almost all it's finish. However, it has all the characteristoics of a National Match rifle. The safety and rear sight binding screw may have been replaced.
Needless to say, I was thrilled to get this rifle and it will be one of the centerpieces of my collection!!
