*SOLD* U.S. Springfield Armory 1903 .22 LR Blue 24" *M1922 CONVERSION EXAMPLE*

Bryant Ridge's Analysis:

In 1919, under the direction of Maj. Julian S. Hatcher, with the cooperation of the National Rifle Association, worked on a newer .22 caliber gallery practice rifle. The goal was to provide an accurate smallbore rifle for school competitions and civilian rifle clubs and sell it to NRA members. The rifle was to be built on a modified 1903 Springfield action. It continued through several test models, with the final design standardized in 1922. It was called the Model of 1922, Cal .22, and was so marked on top of the receiver ring. It had an NRA-style sporting pistol grip stock, with one barrel band and no upper handguard. It was fitted with a checkered steel buttplate. The front sight was a modified military type, and the rear sight was a Lyman 48B peep mounted on the rear receiver bridge. The 24-inch barrel had four-groove rifling with a 1:16 twist. The rifle accepted a detachable five-shot magazine, the well for which was designed around the original 1903 floorplate and trigger guard assembly. The rifles were built at Springfield Armory until 1924 when production stopped for modifications. A little over 2,000 were made. 
 
After modifications and testing, the U.S. Army decided to adopt the rifle, and after that, it was made into two versions- one for Army issues and the other for civilian sales. It was designated U.S. Rifle, Cal .22, M1922M1 and later known as U.S. Rifle, Cal .22, M1. The improved M1 had a new firing mechanism and bolt head and a new five-round magazine that fit flush. The barrel had a slightly larger rifling diameter and a smaller chamber with tighter headspace. It was fitted with a Lyman 48C receiver sight, which allowed half-minute adjustments. The Army issue rifle had a modified military-type "C" sporter stock, while the sales version had an NRA sporter stock. The sales version was also drilled and tapped for scope bases. Final receiver markings were U.S. Springfield Armory, Model 1922M1, Cal .22.This improved semi-sporter rifle was very accurate and functioned more reliably. These rifles went on sale in 1926. Older 1922 rifles, when returned to the armory for repairs, were fitted with all the new parts and marked M1s by re-stamping the receiver.

In 1932, a second set of improvements was made to the Springfield .22. A new bolt was developed with an adjustable headspace and a better extractor. The rear striker was fitted with a large round disk nut. It was serrated on the outer edge for grasping to cock manually. It also acts as a gas deflector in the event of a ruptured case. The trigger guard assembly and magazine mount were redesigned, eliminating the magazine filler block and installing a stamped steel guide/push button release. It was fitted with a new stock with less drop at the heel. It also had a deeply checkered National Match buttplate without a trap. This modified rifle was designated the M2. Receivers were marked "U.S. Springfield Armory, Cal .22, M2." 
 
The new model was not drilled and tapped for scope bases. Again, when older rifles were returned to the armory for repairs, they were retrofitted with the new parts. 1922 rifle receivers were re-stamped 1922M2, and an "A" was added to the serial number. 1922M1 rifles were re-stamped 1922M11, and a "B" was added to the serial number. This was to prevent a mix-up and duplication in a wide array of serial numbers used.
 
Specifications:
  • Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
  • Model: 1903 with M1922 Conversion
  • Serial: 543580
  • Date of Manufacture: 1913 (According to the Serial Number ) & 1934 (According to the Barrel Date Code “11-34”)
  • Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
  • Finish: Blue
  • Barrel Length: 24"  
  • Optics/Sights: Pnined Blade Front with Lyman Adjustable Aperture Rear
  • Stock/Grips: Hardwood “Issue Stock” with Semi Pistol Grip, Straight Comb, Finger Groove Forearm, and Checkered Steel Buttplate
  • Action: Bolt-Action Rifle
  • Markings: The receiver ring is stamped “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / MODEL 1903 / 543580.” The left side of the barrel next to the receiver is stamped “LONG RIFLE / CART'GE ONLY.” The top of the barrel behind the front sight is stamped “S A / (Flaming Bomb) / 11 - 34.” The bolt and bolt handle are both stamped “M2.” 
Feb 18th 2025 Bryant Ridge

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