Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1903 NRA Sporting Rifle (NRA Sporter). This 1903 is in NRA Sporting Rifle configuration.

Serial Number: 1354633

Year of Manufacture: 1930 (page 373 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition)
Barrel Date: Feb, 1930

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / MODEL 1903 / 1354633”. The top of the barrel is marked “S A / flaming bomb / 10 – 30”. The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The barrel band is marked “U”. The face of the muzzle is marked with a “star” to indicate that it is a star gauged barrel. The top of the bolt handle is marked “N.S.”. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked “7” and with a punch. The bolt body is marked with the serial number in electric pencil. The rear sight markings include “LYMAN” on the top and the Lyman logo on the right. The front of the grip is marked with a circled P. 

Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade set atop a raised base. The rear sight is a Lyman Type 48C adjustable aperture. It is secured to the right rear of the receiver. The right side is marked “0 25 50 75 100 125” and with small lines. The top is marked “0” and with small lines.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, barrel band, 2 sling loops, 2 through bolts, and a checkered metal buttplate. The buttplate shows scratches, thinning and oxidation on the edge. The wood shows several small scrapes and scratches. The wood has been oiled. The LOP measures 13 ½” inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original to NRA configuration.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. The bore shows an M.E. of 0. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 93% of its metal finish. The receiver and bolt shows light operational wear. There is minor thinning on the leading edges. There are a couple scuffs and scratches on the barrel. The bolt has lost most of its finish. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Springfield Armory Model 1903 NRA and NRB Sporting Rifles (NRA Sporters) were made in limited quantities (under 5000) and were offered to the public between 1925 and 1932. This Model 1903 is in NRA Sporter configuration. It has a star gauged barrel, uses a Lyman 48C aperture sight, and was built during the proper time frame.