National Match 03A3 questions

[joseyclosey]

This new and unfired Springfield National Match 03 A3 turned up at the range yesterday. How much would a rifle like this sell for in the USA?, and where would be the best place to advertise for sale in the USA?

When did A3 National Match production start and finish at Springfield?

This example is dated 9 43, heres a few pics.

Joe

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/j ... 3A3008.jpg[/pic]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/j ... 3A3006.jpg[/pic]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/j ... 3A3005.jpg[/pic]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/j ... 3A3003.jpg[/pic]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/j ... 3A3002.jpg[/pic]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/j ... 3A3001.jpg[/pic]

Thanks in advance,

Joe

[BOLOMK1]

This is only kinda sorta similar,but I found a 1930's NRA Sporter with Lyman 48 sight etc. listed in Gun List for $3450.00.

In other words,she ought to be worth a few $$!.

John

[Niner]

It doesn't seem to fit any of the short discriptions. The 1903 A1 National match has serial numbers ranging 1285000 to 1532000... not this rifle obviously. 1903 Syle NB National match has "B" stock with more of a drop for off hand shooting. Pistol grip with noticeably square profile. Then there is the 1903 heavy barrel match in many configurations. The last lists as $7000 excellent to $4000 good.

[Tatty Kite]

Have no idea how much it might be worth, but I can give you a rundown on it's history.

After the war, there were no new match rifles available, so the officers in charge decided to have a go at converting the 1903A3 rifles for such a purpose with an initial batch of 200 (as they didn't think the Garand a suitable rifle). Only 140 were converted, but the programme was stopped as it was found that the modified sights meant that the magazine chargers couldn't be used, rendering them useless for the national rifle discipline.

So I'd say it's a pretty rare bird, as to value I suppose it depends on which collector you put it in frot of, but it has to be about the rarest Springfield you can find.

[sunray]

With that S/N I suspect it's a rifle that has had the sights added. A match rifle would likely turn up at the Springfield Research site. 972889 does not.

[Tatty Kite]

A fair enough point, but as Joe is in the UK could this be one that has slipped through the net?

[joseyclosey]

Tatty Kite, all, I also heard about this 140 production run, which is quite interesting. This rifle, i am told, originally came from Camp Perry to an English collector who is now in poor health and is selling off his collection. I dont know when he actually came into possesion of the rifle though! I will of course post any further develpments in the research into this rifle.

Forgot to mention it has the 2groove remington barrel and the target sights are Lyman.

Joe