This is an early example of a very desirable Model 1903, 22 LR Gallery Practice that uses the Hoffer-Thompson cartridge/chamber insert as manufactured by Springfield Armory in 1910. 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. Total number of these rifles produced between 1906 and 1921 was approximately 15,525 rifles. 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 the cartridge holder, that allowed it to be inserted into the standard 30-06 chamber. These chamber inserts also allowed the Gallery Practice rifle to be loaded via stripper clips to simulate loading and rapid fire on indoor ranges. Gallery Practice rifles were typically manufactured with obsolete or rejected M1903 components of which some were stamped "22". Since this is a very early rifle the only "22" stamping is on top of the rear receiver bridge. The left side of the stock is stamped with a light boxed "JSA" cartouche with no P proofmark, which is correct. The barrel is stamped: "SA/Ordnance Shell & Flame/10-10". The receiver is roll-stamped with the standard M1903 nomenclature above the serial number "448159". It is fitted with an early straight handle bolt that is marked "J 5" on top of the bolt handle. This rifle is fitted with a later fine checkered buttplate and smooth trigger, both of which were still in use in 1910. The rear sight is a later standard pattern with bright face, with the 2,750 yard center notch. It has the coarse, larger concave windage screw, however it is missing the elevation screw. It is fitted with a second pattern straight grip "S" stock, adopted around 1909, that has the single rear reinforcing bolt and is fitted with the correct early high hump handguard with the post 1909 sight groove with no spring clips. 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 black walnut. Most of the .22 Gallery Practice rifles were destroyed following WWI with surviving examples very scarce. The rifle does not include any .22 cartridge holders.

Fine with 50% of its original blue finish overall, with some flaking and blue loss on top of the receiver, with actual blue loss on the front barrel band, exposed area of the barrel, and on the floor plate, with the sides of the rear sight base having browned out completely. The reoiled stock and handguard are both in fine condition with a nice matching medium brown color overall showing only a few very minor handling marks on the sides. A very nice original looking early Springfield Model 1903 Hoffer-Thompson Gallery practice rifle.