April 9th & 10th Premier Firearms Sale (MFIRE)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/9/2016
24" barrel in caliber .22 short rimfire. Barrel is stamped "SA" with bomb and dated 9-13. The rare caliber .22 Model 1903 rifle was produced from 1907 to 1919, except for those parts produced exclusively for use on the Hoffer-Thompson rifle, the parts were culls removed from the parts produced for the .30 caliber rifle. The stocks were the same as used on production .30 caliber rifles, as well as inspector cartouches, but no stock firing proof (no "P" on wrist). The left side of this stock is stamped "J.F.C." (Coyle 1905-1918) over "B.H.M." stamp (unknown 1908-1914). It has the early wide-groove high hump handguard. Rear sight is graduated to 2,700 yards with dished knobs, knurled edges, front adjustment has line. Rear receiver bridge is stamped "22". Cut-off has the serif print. Stock is wide finger groove with two stock retaining bolts. 1905 type bolt with polished body and single forward oil hole, no rear, straight bolt. All milled parts. Finely checkered buttplate with checkered trap. Front barrel band bayonet lug is stamped "H". Rear band spring retains 60% fire blue. Balance of metal finish is basically a soft blue-brown patina. Stocks are excellent with no cracks or chips with the wide finger-groove. Perfect working order. Visible rifling. Rifle comes with an original stripper clip with five of the dummy cartridge cases to insert the .22 caliber bullets. These rifles, especially when all original, are extremely difficult to find.