This is a Pre-World War II production U.S. Springfield Model 1903 Rifle with "3-36" dated star-gauged barrel. The rifle appears to be a M1903 "Special Target". The M1903 Special Target rifles were service grade rifles fitted with star-gauged barrels. Special Target M1903 rifles were sold commercially and issued to military units for competition. Most Special Target rifles were former National Match M1903 rifles that had been Armory over-hauled and had most of the National match components replaced with service grade parts. This rifle appears to be a late production National Match M1903 that was over-hauled by Springfield Armory to service rifle configuration prior to WWII. This rifle has a oil-finished walnut "S" stock with grasping grooves and late production hand guard stamped with the drawing number, "D28179". The left side of the stock is stamped with the "SA/SPG" final inspection mark in a rectangle. A encircled "P" proof mark is stamped on the underside of the stock behind the trigger guard. Two "K" sub-inspection marks are stamped in the magazine cut-off. A rack number, "65" , is stamped on the lower portion of the stock below the sling swivel. The bolt, receiver, barrel, lower barrel band and other components have a dark, gray-green, parkerized finish. The face of the rear side leaf and the "ON" portion of the magazine cut-off are polished bright. The buttplate has fine checkering. The trigger is grooved. The top of the barrel is marked "SA" above the Ordnance 'Shell and Flame' insignia and the date '3-36". The muzzle of the barrel is stamped with a star-gauge mark and the star-gauge number, "B/43", is stamped on the top of the barrel about two-inches above the rear sight collar. The top of the receiver is roll-stamped:l "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/ ARMORY/MODEL 1903" above the serial number "1502353". The magazine cut-off and safety lever have early, serifed markings. The top of the bolt handle is stamped "N.S.". The rear sight lacks the 2850 yard volley fire notch and has a WWII, contract elevator bar which lacks the raised battle sight. The rear sight has a light, gray-green parkerized finish and appears to be a WWII contract sight. The combination of WWI era parts (safety lever and magazine cut-off) and late production and contract parts (hand guard and rear sight) with "SA/SPG" inspected stock is typical of M1903 rifles over-hauled by Springfield Armory prior to the start of WWII.

Excellent. The barrel, receiver and other components retain 95% plus of the Armory parkerized finish. All of the markings are crisp. The stock and hand guard are both in very fine condition with scattered light handling and storage marks. The stock final inspection and proof marks are sharp. This is a solid example of a M1903 "Special Target" service rifle with select, star-gauged barrel.