This is an example of a Model 1903, ".22 Gallery Practice" rifle (Hoffer-Thompson) that was 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 "JFC" cartouche with a stamp of "90/A/28" on the underside of the wrist. The front of the barrel behind the front sight is stamped with "S.A./flaming bomb/8-10". The receiver is roll-stamped with the standard M1903 nomenclature above the serial number "357493". It is fitted with a bent handle bolt that is marked "1M" 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 five .22 Hoffer Thompson cartridge adaptors.

Fine with 40% of the faded, thin original blue finish with the balance having aged to a mottled gray/brown patina. Showing areas of moderate surface scratches, light scattered pitting, and general handling marks. The wood is fine with small dings and dents throughout, as well as some deeper gouges and scratches. Mechanically excellent.