This is a very early example of a Model 1903, ".22 Gallery Practice" rifle (Hoffer-Thompson) as manufactured by Springfield Armory in 1908. The M1903 Gallery Practice rifle was a standard configuration rifle with a .22 caliber barrel, that was issued for instructional target practice on indoor ranges. The Gallery Practice rifle utilized a unique "cartridge holder insert" shaped like a .30-06 cartridge in which the 22 short cartridge was actually loaded inside of .30-06. The cartridge holders allowed Gallery Practice rifles to be loaded with stripper clips to simulate-loading and rapid fire on indoor ranges. Gallery Practice rifles were typically manufactured with some obsolete or rejected M1903 components in which these components were usually stamped "22". Since this is a very early rifle it does not have any of the usual "22" stamped on the various parts. The left side of the stock is stamped with a clear "BHM" cartouche with a stamp of "60" over "A" on the underside of the wrist. The front of the barrel behind the front sight is stamped with "SA/Ordnance Shell & Flame/8-08". The receiver is roll-stamped with the standard M1903 nomenclature above the serial number "347329". It is fitted with a bent handle bolt that is marked "B" on the underside of the safety lug. This rifle is fitted with an early style smooth buttplate and smooth trigger. The rear sight is a later standard pattern with bright face, 2,750 yard center notch and the coarse, smooth face elevation screw and larger concave windage screw. The straight grip "S" stock is the second pattern adopted around 1909 and is fitted with the correct early high hump handguard. The rifle includes one .22 cartridge holder. The rifle has a blued barrel, upper and lower barrel band, bolt, magazine cut-off, trigger guard and floor plate with a dark blued finish on the receiver. The stock and handguard are oil-finished walnut.

Very fine overall with the barrel, receiver and major components have 70% original blue finish, with some spotting on the trigger guard and areas of gray patina on the floor plate. Stock is also fine. With attractive grain, clear markings and some scattered indentations. Mechanically excellent.