Originally Posted by
Cosine26
*Let me add some information that could maybe explain this rifle. After WWII there appeared on the surplus market many 22 Springfield parts to include, stocks, barrels, bolts, etc. As indicted in the paragraph below, in 1957, the DCM offered M1 and M2 22’s in ‘serviceable’ and ‘unserviceable’ condition with no choice – you took what you could get. It is possible that a person who received an ‘unserviceable’ M1 ordered and installed “new†parts.
Just a thought.
*Just a little interesting history. By 1957 there had been a long “dry†spell during which “Springfield†rifles were not available from the DCM. In the January issue of the AMERICAN RIFLEMAN there was a two page spread on the availability of the M1903A3’s at $30 + $2.85 Packing and handling for “serviceableâ€, and $15 + $2.85 for “unserviceable. I think that many people jumped on this opportunity and failed to notice a small notice back under the DCM notes, that a small quantity of M1 & M2 22 caliber rifles was available for the $30 and $15 prices plus the $2. 85 P&H. Either M1 or M2 rifles would be shipped with no choice. As soon as I saw this (within hours of receiving my AR) , I airmailed my request and as I understand it, I was one of two people in the state of Kansas who was lucky enough to get a “serviceable†M1922M1Iâ€. At the time I was just out of the USAF, starting a new job and a new family so funds were short, but I recognized this as an opportunity that I could not afford to miss.
The rifle was in excellent condition, but had been rebuilt was parkerized and carried a 1942 SA barrel. It was an M2 and was marked “M1922M1I “with the “B†serial number. The second “one†was not a one but was the capital letter “Iâ€. I do not know whether this was standard or if the builder just happened to have an “I†instead of “1â€. Perhaps Herschel will know. It came with one magazine and no sling.
Would you by chance still have the DCM papers that came with the rifle? If so, what was it listed as?, Rifle US Cal 22 M2 ?
I ask as I've seen and am looking at a couple with the same mo as yours, 1957 DCM sales rifles. One has papers with it, one doesn't. Neither are drilled and tapped, both look parkerized, and have the 1942 barrels.
I know this thread is a little old but thought I'd ask.
Thanks
Kurt
As the late Turner Kirkland was fond of saying, "If you want good oats, you have to pay the price. If you'll take oats that have already been through the horse, those come cheaper."