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So... any of our members here have an interest in firearms?
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noelekal
··Home For Wayward WatchesIt's a pretty knife, blade and burl handles. I was always fascinated by Damascus pattern. Sort of like fancy wood grain on gun stocks, furniture or paneling.
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Wryfox
·Hello all my fine experts! My LGS has a Springfield M2 (1903 22LR Training Rifle). I know they are rare, and have asked around on firearms boards but very little hands on experience is to be had, really just the historical context(made from ~1934-1942, only a few thousand, etc). The one available is the only one I have ever seen in my life, so I am at a loss.
Anyone have any experience with this fellow?
Photo below from internet, actual item available at store is dead stock(ie std 1903 front sight vs this target globe).
Anyone have any experience with this fellow?
Photo below from internet, actual item available at store is dead stock(ie std 1903 front sight vs this target globe).
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efauser
·Just picked up this FAL Parts kit R1A1 with IMBEL receiver. I'm really looking forward to getting it to the range.
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noelekal
··Home For Wayward WatchesHello all my fine experts! My LGS has a Springfield M2 (1903 22LR Training Rifle). I know they are rare, and have asked around on firearms boards but very little hands on experience is to be had, really just the historical context(made from ~1934-1942, only a few thousand, etc). The one available is the only one I have ever seen in my life, so I am at a loss.
Anyone have any experience with this fellow?
Photo below from internet, actual item available at store is dead stock(ie std 1903 front sight vs this target globe).
Been enjoying one for something over 44 years now. Traded a Remington 513T and a Smith & Wesson Model 28 for one a year or so before Mrs. noelekal and I married. Was an equipment step up for me for small-bore rifle competition and most gratifying for position shooting practice and plinking fun. It's also great off the bench rest at 100 yards. It's the only rifle with which I have shot a 5-shot 1-inch group at 100 yards and that was using the original sights.
The M2 is the final variant of the Model 1922 which of course is manufactured on a 1903 Springfield action adapted for the purpose. The M2 variant is the "best" for shooting use, best magazine, best extraction, best firing pin arrangement, shorter lock time. The unaltered earlier M1922s are best for "collectors' value" as surviving examples are scarce, however all the M1922 variants have gotten pricey in recent years. I've heard it said that Springfield Armory got a black eye for turning out a fine target grade rifle in direct competition with the Winchester Model 52, Remington Model 37, and the early Savage Model 1919 NRA. It wasn't thought fitting that the government was impacting sales of the commercial product by producing target grade rifles for commercial sales.
The one in your good photo appears to still sport its blue finish. Don't think many M2s were produced with the blue finish and many from all the Model 1922 variants were rebuilt to M2 specifications and Parkerized. Of course the later M2s were Parkerized from the start.
The one here is an early 1930s rifle with barrel date of 4-32 and the Type B stock. Its receiver is marked "Springfield Armory Model 1922AII" with the second "I" being an over-stamp of the original marking of "1922A1." It yet retains its blue finish. Don't know if it was upgraded before being sold or sold then returned for the M2 upgrade. Supposedly many were returned during the 1930s by their owners for the beneficial upgrades.
I have the "The Springfield 1903 Rifles" by Lt. Col. William S. Brophy https://www.amazon.com/Springfield-Illustrated-Documented-Development-Accessories/dp/0811708721 as well as some other references on the grand ol' rifles. If you get the rifle I'd be tickled to review the books and try to help ascertain what you have.
This one bears a serial number of 9298B
The rifles are severely overbuilt for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. They're so fine to use and enjoy.
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SkunkPrince
·I once bought an H&R target rifle from CMP. Perhaps I let it go too cheaply... but when your only working eye is the left one... a right-handed bolt gun ain't gonna cut it.
I should get the Ruger 10/22 in left hand now that they have it.
My "dream" is to find a left-handed AR that can be configured as a Viet Nam era M16A1...
I should get the Ruger 10/22 in left hand now that they have it.
My "dream" is to find a left-handed AR that can be configured as a Viet Nam era M16A1...
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SkunkPrince
·The one here is an early 1930s rifle with barrel date of 4-32 and the Type B stock. Its receiver is marked "Springfield Armory Model 1922AII" with the second "I" being an over-stamp of the original marking of "1922A1." It yet retains its blue finish. Don't know if it was upgraded before being sold or sold then returned for the M2 upgrade. Supposedly many were returned during the 1930s by their owners for the beneficial upgrades.
(The "Jim Owens" no-pulse rifle sling was devised by me. A gift to a retired Marine who needed the money more than I did. You'll see my name on his site.)
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SkunkPrince
·This thread reminded me...
Mossberg made a left-handed shotgun. Came with plastic furniture. Took a chance on a stock set on eBay, not bad. Had to modify the fore-end a bit but not bad. Helps it look like a proper trench gun.
A standard M1907 sling did not fit. However... the sling modified for the BAR does!
Currently loaded for rubber buckshot. No need to endanger my neighbors.
Mossberg made a left-handed shotgun. Came with plastic furniture. Took a chance on a stock set on eBay, not bad. Had to modify the fore-end a bit but not bad. Helps it look like a proper trench gun.
A standard M1907 sling did not fit. However... the sling modified for the BAR does!
Currently loaded for rubber buckshot. No need to endanger my neighbors.
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noelekal
··Home For Wayward WatchesI found a spare keeper when we moved a year ago and wondered where it came from. I've yet to completely unpack all the gun room boxes so no telling where it is at present.
That's an inch and a quarter Model 1907 style sling. I like the M1907 sling design and use modern made versions of it in several widths on all my rifles having need of slings, big game rifles, .22s, even the Colt SP-1 sports one rather than some new, "high-tech" and "tactical" sling thst is generally seen.
I'll need that lost keeper if I want to rig the M1907 sling into a cuff sling for sitting and prone position shooting.
Thanks a lot SkunkPrince! Now I've got to obsess over locating that keeper. I'll probably root around in boxes of stuff all day tomorrowsearching for it.
Yep, thanks a lot! You're a real pal!
That's an inch and a quarter Model 1907 style sling. I like the M1907 sling design and use modern made versions of it in several widths on all my rifles having need of slings, big game rifles, .22s, even the Colt SP-1 sports one rather than some new, "high-tech" and "tactical" sling thst is generally seen.
I'll need that lost keeper if I want to rig the M1907 sling into a cuff sling for sitting and prone position shooting.
Thanks a lot SkunkPrince! Now I've got to obsess over locating that keeper. I'll probably root around in boxes of stuff all day tomorrowsearching for it.
Yep, thanks a lot! You're a real pal!
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SkunkPrince
·I believe this book shows how to construct it.
https://jarheadtop.com/product/leather-sling-and-shooting-positions-book-download/
I am in this video
https://jarheadtop.com/product/m1-garand-care-and-cleaning/
https://jarheadtop.com/product/leather-sling-and-shooting-positions-book-download/
I am in this video
https://jarheadtop.com/product/m1-garand-care-and-cleaning/
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ghce
·Hello all my fine experts! My LGS has a Springfield M2 (1903 22LR Training Rifle). I know they are rare, and have asked around on firearms boards but very little hands on experience is to be had, really just the historical context(made from ~1934-1942, only a few thousand, etc). The one available is the only one I have ever seen in my life, so I am at a loss.
Anyone have any experience with this fellow?
Photo below from internet, actual item available at store is dead stock(ie std 1903 front sight vs this target globe).
I am surprised this has the designation of training rifle? When it's really a target rifle used in armed forces competitions, as I am from NZ I have no idea of the US set up re training but it seems a misnomer
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Wryfox
·I am surprised this has the designation of training rifle? When it's really a target rifle used in armed forces competitions, as I am from NZ I have no idea of the US set up re training but it seems a misnomer
It is simply for new recruits who are initially trained to the size and weight of the 1903 without the surprise of recoil. Start them off easy with rifle training and good discipline, then move to the full power cartridge. Some argue it was really about saving ammo cost during training, perhaps, but really both. Also, easy to set up indoor ranges for training. And sadly, some "get scared off" to the full power if used right off. Low power training improves success rate.
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Wryfox
·Good job with the parade sling but you're missing a keeper! 😁
(The "Jim Owens" no-pulse rifle sling was devised by me. A gift to a retired Marine who needed the money more than I did. You'll see my name on his site.)
Well Well! We have a real celebrity on OF!!
I used the no pulse style for some time, then fell in love with Leslie Tam slings(I visited him in Hawaii years ago while on a trip and he made several for me while I watched him for better part of a day). The thing was the Tam keepers were so tight I couldn't configure a proper no pulse but I loved the idea. I tried to adapt the Tam slings to my own cludgey version of no pulse, but due to eye problems I had to give up the Service Rifle matches soon after. I think I still have one in that config on an M1A.
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Wryfox
·Been enjoying one for something over 44 years now. Traded a Remington 513T and a Smith & Wesson Model 28 for one a year or so before Mrs. noelekal and I married. Was an equipment step up for me for small-bore rifle competition and most gratifying for position shooting practice and plinking fun. It's also great off the bench rest at 100 yards. It's the only rifle with which I have shot a 5-shot 1-inch group at 100 yards and that was using the original sights.
The M2 is the final variant of the Model 1922 which of course is manufactured on a 1903 Springfield action adapted for the purpose. The M2 variant is the "best" for shooting use, best magazine, best extraction, best firing pin arrangement, shorter lock time. The unaltered earlier M1922s are best for "collectors' value" as surviving examples are scarce, however all the M1922 variants have gotten pricey in recent years. I've heard it said that Springfield Armory got a black eye for turning out a fine target grade rifle in direct competition with the Winchester Model 52, Remington Model 37, and the early Savage Model 1919 NRA. It wasn't thought fitting that the government was impacting sales of the commercial product by producing target grade rifles for commercial sales.
The one in your good photo appears to still sport its blue finish. Don't think many M2s were produced with the blue finish and many from all the Model 1922 variants were rebuilt to M2 specifications and Parkerized. Of course the later M2s were Parkerized from the start.
The one here is an early 1930s rifle with barrel date of 4-32 and the Type B stock. Its receiver is marked "Springfield Armory Model 1922AII" with the second "I" being an over-stamp of the original marking of "1922A1." It yet retains its blue finish. Don't know if it was upgraded before being sold or sold then returned for the M2 upgrade. Supposedly many were returned during the 1930s by their owners for the beneficial upgrades.
I have the "The Springfield 1903 Rifles" by Lt. Col. William S. Brophy https://www.amazon.com/Springfield-Illustrated-Documented-Development-Accessories/dp/0811708721 as well as some other references on the grand ol' rifles. If you get the rifle I'd be tickled to review the books and try to help ascertain what you have.
This one bears a serial number of 9298B
The rifles are severely overbuilt for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. They're so fine to use and enjoy.
Well Noelekal, You have beaten the band on this one!!! You have single handedly provided better info than the entirety of the internet in one simple post! Thank You!!!
I really wish I had taken a picture but it is on consignment and I got a bit of stink eye when I pulled out my camera.
It is parked and looks original, but had a bit of a trouble confirming exactly what configuration it should have. Barrel is from 1934, 1935 approx build date because no specific dated production records were kept. I think they only made 20k or so over the course of 20yrs for all models.
I may "give it a shot". He wants 1300 which seems stiff to me but these days all guns seem stiffly priced. I don't want to kick myself later such as when I missed out on the K98 22 trainer a few months ago. Same consignor. I just waited too long thinking on it, and then it was gone.They wanted 2500 for that one. Turns out it was a fair price but I just couldn't quite bring myself.
Edited:
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Spiritofstlouis
·Just picked up this FAL Parts kit R1A1 with IMBEL receiver. I'm really looking forward to getting it to the range.
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Archer
··Omega Qualified WatchmakerIt is simply for new recruits who are initially trained to the size and weight of the 1903 without the surprise of recoil. Start them off easy with rifle training and good discipline, then move to the full power cartridge. Some argue it was really about saving ammo cost during training, perhaps, but really both. Also, easy to set up indoor ranges for training. And sadly, some "get scared off" to the full power if used right off. Low power training improves success rate.
Back in the days of recruit and basic training for me, we had conversion kits that were used to make our 7.62 mm FNC1’s into 22 cal. We shot these on the indoor range before we ever made it to the main range to qualify with the full Monty.
No such conversion for the 9 mm SMG though, so that was full on right off the bat...
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Waltesefalcon
·This thread reminded me...
Mossberg made a left-handed shotgun. Came with plastic furniture. Took a chance on a stock set on eBay, not bad. Had to modify the fore-end a bit but not bad. Helps it look like a proper trench gun.
A standard M1907 sling did not fit. However... the sling modified for the BAR does!
Currently loaded for rubber buckshot. No need to endanger my neighbors.
Where do you store this?
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SkunkPrince
·Where do you store this?
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Waltesefalcon
·Just inside my bedroom door leaning against a dresser. I live alone in a locked apartment with a locked lobby. The chances of someone breaking in a exceedingly low.
I keep a winchester 94 over my bedroom door myself, I don't anticipate a break in but coyotes are an issue in the winter.