A Special Rifle?

[pmclaine]

A member on another forum I frequent was kind enough to post some pictures of a family rifle.

I think he has something special but Im not educated enough to tell him exactly what he has.

Ive asked for permission to post here and he has granted it.

What do you guys think of this time capsule.....

[Mark1]

The rifle looks to be a national match. I will need to research the serial number if you can post the complete number. The stock is a B type stock, heavy checkered butt plate. I assume the bolt is serialized to the receiver?

[mhb]

appears to conform exactly to the specifications of the Model 1903 DCM sales rifle 'Style NB', as described and illustrated in 'The Book of the Springfield', by E.C. Crossman. That model is a NM barreled action mounted in a Model 1922 M1 stock, Style MT, cal. .30 (formerly known as the Style B stock). The receiver was drilled and tapped at the Armory for the Lyman sight.
From the photo you posted, it appears that the bolt IS numbered, and that the Lyman 48 rear sight has been mounted on the rifle and the issue-style front sight replaced with a Winchester type target front sight with replaceable inserts.
While it would not have been eligible for competition in military matches, it would have been an outstanding match rifle at the time.
I cannot find a good reference on the number of rifles produced in this configuration, but it could not have been many, as the stock style was not well-liked and offered no advantage over the standard NM Type C stock, and the 'NM Special' model also available through the DCM was mounted in the Type C stock, fitted with the Sporting type buttplate, and was also drilled and tapped at the Armory.
Then, too, the NM rifle itself could be drilled and tapped at the Armory on order, and the latter 2 types of stock were better choices due to better proportions then the NB.
None of the rifles fitted with the Lyman 48 sight were eligible for military matches.
The rifle you pictured is a beautiful example of a pretty rare SA model.

mhb - MIke

[pmclaine]

Serial is 1273730 and bolt is matching.

[pmclaine]

Seems to have been ordered with all the bells and whistles.....

I see a reverse safety and headless cocking piece.

I'd like to see the rear sight leaf and what the bolt rails look like.

[pmclaine]

More images.

If anyone can check the SRS books please it would be appreciated.

[Jack Hammer]

1273726nm 101327dcm rifle sales 1922-42
1273727nmp 062527dcm rifle sales 1922-42
1273728nmb 030531dcm rifle sales 1922-42
1273729nm 101327dcm rifle sales 1922-42
1273730nmp 042429dcm rifle sales 1922-42
1273731nmb 061631dcm rifle sales 1922-42
1273732nm 091128dcm rifle sales 1922-42
1273733nmb 040431dcm rifle sales 1922-42
1273734nm 120428dcm rifle sales 1922-42
1273735nmp 041629dcm rifle sales 1922-42

[pmclaine]

What does the "p" designate in nmp?

If it were nmb I would guess National Match "B" stock.

If its in the SRS book does that mean the Springfield Research Service has a record of who it was sold to?

[John Beard]

Originally Posted by pmclaine

What does the "p" designate in nmp?

If it were nmb I would guess National Match "B" stock.

If its in the SRS book does that mean the Springfield Research Service has a record of who it was sold to?

"NMP" means National Match with a Pistol-Grip Stock. SRS has a record of who the rifle was sold to. Check your email.

J.B.

[pmclaine]

Thank you Mr. Beard.

Appears he bought it and shot it.

From the looks of the record book though that book must be for a different "scoped" rifle he competed with.

Its a pretty rifle. The owner of it is fortunate and he appreciates the help is getting to discover what he has.