1903 National Match

[Ohio Gun Guy]

While visiting my father this Thanksgiving, I was looking at his new (New to him) national match 1903 springfield. He bought it in the original box, with the write up from the springfield armory listing all of the changes / improvements made to the rifle. However, it is unlike any other national match rifle I have seen, or find on google. (I am not that familiar with them).

The rifle has had the walnut military stock finished very nicely, the hand guard was removed. It has a 1943 barrel, polished and reblued, it has the peep sights. The bolt is bright and jeweled. Most "national match" 1903s I have seen look relatively stock, or much closer to stock military configuration. Each of these changes are listed in the bill from the armory. (The funny thing is that most items costed 1.50 +- in the currency of the day (1950's). It is still in MINT condition. I dont have any pictures, but from the description is this rare? I get the feeling it might be. What is it worth? (He paid 500 +-)

 

[cracked butt]

If its legit, he stole it for $500

 

[wanderinwalker]

Rare or not, a National Match '03 is possibly a crown jewel for a collection. For $500, it was a steal. You can't even touch a standard-issue '03 around here for that.

I'm no expert, but I would think a barrel with 1943 stamped on it is probably a GI-issue barrel and not a special gauged barrel. Somebody will correct me though, I hope.

Anyway, sounds like a nice find no matter what.

 

[Sheldon]

Post about it on the CMP forum or the Jouster.com pages for the 1903 and they will tell you what you have.