Introduced in 1922, the Model 1922 rifle, with 24 inch heavy barrel, was a continued evolution of the "free rifle" pattern target guns manufactured by Springfield for use in competitions that did not call for explicitly stock standard military rifles. Production of this variant is believed have been limited to fewer than 80; a year after the initial announcement of the rifle by the Director of Civilian Marksmanship, it was announced that stocks of the rifle were exhausted, and while the announcement implied more barrels would be coming in, they do not appear to have materialized, and the next target variant (the 1924 International Match) used more desired longer length outsourced barrels from Winchester, Remington and Pope instead of in-house barrels. The model is discussed on pages 112-114 of William Brophy's reference "The Springfield 1903 Rifle", where he states, "This rifle is so seldom encountered that only a few of the most serious collectors own an unaltered example, so it is speculated- in the absence of accurate production records- that fewer than eighty of these rifles were manufactured. It is a true 'gem' among the '03s." The book further illustrates some of the 1922 Heavy Barrel's signature features, such as the unique elevated and integrally forged front sight base, the use of a modified Model 1917 barrel band, as well as the stock configuration. Fitted with a blade front sight in the aforementioned integral dovetail, which has hand carved markings "24 H" on the left, and a Lyman 48 peep receiver sight, with a pair of scope blocks mounted on the unmarked heavy weight barrel as well as on top of the receiver ring, with filler screws in place of other mounting points on top of the barrel. The receiver bears standard Model 1903 markings, and has a polished receiver rail. The bolt is marked "W L/3" on top of the bright polished handle with a "K" on bottom, with a truncated match-style cocking knob. The stock on this example is similar in construction to the .22 caliber Model 1922, though with dual reinforcing bolts, a checkered forend and grip area as likely special ordered, and fitted with the aforementioned 1917-derived barrel band and a lightly curved checkered buttplate, which has hand carved markings on the interior that read "WG HANSEN/24" HEAVY" along with the stamped matching rifle number "36", and the rear surface of the buttstock is stamped with what appears to be a personal identification number and the matching rifle number "636". Fitted with an M1907 brown leather sling. An included September 8, 1986 dated letter of provenance indicates this rifle was sold to the current consignor at that time, who purchased it from Earle J. Sample at the regular meeting of the San Gabriel Valley Arms Collectors, and Earle indicates he had this rifle in his collection since November 30, 1957 when he acquired it from Harry Sanford, then Sales Manager of the well known Golden State Arms of Pasadena, California. Provenance: The Harry Sanford Collection; The Earle J. Sample Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Very fine, retains 85% original blue finish with some finish wear at the muzzle, areas of thinning and scattered light freckling. Stock is also very fine with some scattered light handling marks, some light finish fading around the forend, and defined checkering and edges. Mechanically excellent. Scope is excellent, retains 97% original blue finish on the tube with some light handling marks, and crisp clear optics. This rare Model 1922 variant heavy barrel target rifle would make a fine addition to the any advanced Model 1903 or target rifle collection!