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Blockhead
04-19-2013, 11:11
Would a Springfield 1903 #1406722 be too high to be considered a legit NRA sporter? I found one that the owner claims to be legit, but I'm not sure. It has the bolt serialized to match the receiver, a star gauged 9-32 barrel, a Lyman 48 rear sight, and an "NS" bolt. He claims his uncle bought it at Camp Perry possibly back in the 50s. From what I can see online, that serial looks way too high and the barrel is too late to be an original sporter.

mhb
04-19-2013, 01:04
that serial number falls within the last block of numbers for the Sporter: 1,406,315 to 1,408,446 - and the barrel date is probably correct, also. Production may have been as late as 1938, but all the receivers in that block were listed as produced in 1932. Sporter barrels were made and dated at least as late as 1938.
mhb - Mike

Mike D
04-19-2013, 01:29
SA 1406722 is listed in the DCM Sales as a Sporter.

I also see one listed as late as 1.42 mil.

Mike

Blockhead
04-19-2013, 01:53
Thanks guys. I didn't realize just how long the production of these went on.

Blockhead
04-20-2013, 04:17
Thanks for all the info I decided to pick it up and for a very decent price. The pics below are from the seller.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/Blockhead_75/April%202013/NRAsporter1_zps4e081e52.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/Blockhead_75/April%202013/NRAsporter3_zpsbdd8d296.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/Blockhead_75/April%202013/NRAsporter2_zps70906bb0.jpg

Mike D
04-20-2013, 04:20
Well, put me on the jealous list! :icon_salut:

Mike

PKelly
04-20-2013, 05:05
Put me on the "green with envy" list as well. :D

Love those classic sporters.

Peconga
04-20-2013, 05:26
Very nice! Listed as an NRA Sporter sold by the DCM on June 1, 1934, so barrel date corresponds to original.

BTW, the Lyman 48 rear sight looks like a replacement. The original would have a shorter elevation knob (sporting style, not target), also the windage scale would be on the shooter's side of the staff (not the muzzle side) and the peep would have a flip-down aperture on the front. Keep looking and you will eventually find an original sight. Aside from that detail, it looks legit from the photos.

Congrats on a great find!