Only a total of 4,496 sporting rifle were ever produced and they are a scarce piece in original condition in any 1903 Springfield collection today. These rifles were all based on the superb, tried and true 1903 National Match rifle, which was also produced from 1921-1939. These all feature a National Match receiver with hand polished receiver rails, that was fitted with a select "Star Gauged" National Match barrel with hand cut head space, serial numbered and hand polished bolt, hand fitted walnut sporter stock with a Lyman 48C target type micrometer rear sight. These rifles could be ordered directly from Springfield Armory by NRA members and were used by several other commercial companies to make custom deluxe rifles on, one notable company was Griffin and Howe. The top of the receiver is marked "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/ARMORY/MODEL 1903/1366785" and the barrel is marked, "SA/Ordnance Shell and Flame/10-30" for the month and year of manufacture. The stock was a sporter version consistent with those produced by the major companies during this time period and featured a "C" type pistol grip, with smooth sides with two recoil bolts. As noted these were all hand fitted to ensure correct bedding of the recoil lug. The Lyman micrometer rear sight was the standard prewar target sight during the day and this versions is correctly fitted with a cutout for the clip slot. These rifle were all given a hand polished and rust blued metal finish with the "in the white" bolt with a hand rubbed oil finish on the walnut stock . This rifle is currently fitted with a replacement Lyman 17A hooded front sight, and a commercial trigger shoe, and the bolt features a headless cocking piece, all three features were quite common during this time. This rifle is complete with a new commercial 1942 style leather sling that is marked MRT.

Excellent as period modified (see below) with 98% plus of the original blued finish with wear on the edges and high spots overall, the front edge of the floor plate with some very light general thinning just starting in a couple of areas on the exposed section of the barrel. The bolt is correctly serial numbered and matches the rifle. The stock is very fine with most of its original Springfield Armory finish, however the last inch of the buttstock was cutoff and then reglued back on the stock at a later date. Again this was very common modification on the 1903 Sporting rifles during this time as many individuals personalized them based on their stature during this time. The piece that was reattached looks like the original section and blends in very well. Just a superb 1903 Springfield Sporting Rifle for the serious 1903 collector.