Per the included letter from researcher Charles W. Pate to the consignor, this rifle was sold through the D.C.M. sales program on October 23rd, 1929, to Olof Hjalmar Olson of Marquette, Michigan. The letter further states, "Olof Hjalmar was born 17 Apr 1883 in Sweden and died 20 May 1974 in Marquette, MI. His family appears to have moved to the U.S. in 1888 and lived many years at 239 W Hewitt St. in Marquette, at least from 1900 to 1940. Mr. Olson worked as a machinist for the Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad." One of approximately 4,495 M1903 sporting rifles in total manufactured between 1923-1932, and one of only approximately 1,195 M1903 rifles of any type sold in the year 1929. These were hand built by Springfield using new M1903 National Match receivers fitted with new star gauged National Match barrels. The receiver rails, bolt assemblies and triggers were hand polished for super smooth operation like a M1903 National Match rifle. The bolts were hand lapped, and the headspace was hand cut using a National Match bolt marked "NS" (nickel steel). The bolt is correctly hand electro-stenciled with the matching serial number to the rifle. Standard receiver markings with the barrel roll marked "SA" above the Ordnance shell and flame insignia and date "7-29" with the original star gauge mark on the muzzle. Actions and barrels were hand fitted to hand selected, straight grain American walnut, pistol grip sporting stocks to ensure correct bedding in the barrel channel and recoil lug area. The stock uses a single barrel band and is fitted with a special, heavier "NRA sporter" style cupped steel buttplate. Circled "P" proof double stamped inside the curve of the pistol grip. The barrel is fitted with a standard M1903 front sight base and blade, with a receiver mounted Lyman 48 target type micrometer rear sight. The rear sight base is machined for the clip slot cutout like the M1903 National Match rifles. These rifles have a hand polished, rust blue metal finish with the National Match bolt correctly "in the white". The walnut stocks were all given a hand rubbed, linseed oil finish. These rifles were as accurate, if not more so, than the M1903 National Match service rifles; in fact, the prestigious company of Griffin & Howe used many as the basis of their own super high grade hunting and sporting rifles. These rifles were so desirable that gun companies complained to Springfield Armory, that it hurt their commercial business. This eventually resulted in Springfield Armory stopping all production of these beautiful NRA Sporting rifles in 1932. Fitted with a J.W. Fecker 12x scope mounted in J.W. Fecker scope rings. Includes M1907 leather sling, and muzzle cover.

Excellent, retains 95% original blue finish with some loss around the front sight base from sliding of the sight cover, and the barrel band is cracked/separated on the left where the barrel meets the wood (still tight and in place). Stock is also excellent with attractive original raised grain and rich oil finish, a small patch of chips concentrated at the front tip of the comb, defined edges and a crisp double stamped proof. Mechanically excellent. Scope is also excellent, retains 95% original blue finish with a few small patches of minor freckling, and clear optics.