1903A2

[ratranger]

Here's one you don't see often. Unfortunately the barrel was shortened at some point and it was drilled for a peep sight.

 

[mr ed]

Doesn't look like a military barrel.

 

[ratranger]

Doesn't look like a military barrel.

Couldn't say, I bought it as it sits 10 or so years ago. Thought about fixing it up, but it's just followed me around the country as is.

 

[rc508pir]

Doesn't look like a military barrel.

It sure doesn't. Could have been polished and blued though

 

[ratranger]

I honestly bought it on a whim because I had never heard of an 03a2. Still haven't seen another in person, but more info on them has popped up online since I bought it.

 

[Leggett71]

I honestly bought it on a whim because I had never heard of an 03a2. Still haven't seen another in person, but more info on them has popped up online since I bought it.

You have a rare version of the 1903. see the link below on 1903 oddities.
Ten Oddball '03 Springfield Variations

The missing link...
Model 1903A2 Rifle (Subcaliber Device)

Artillery, tank guns and anti-tank weapons training used very expensive ammunition and required extremely large ranges for obvious safety reasons. By using a "sub-caliber" device in the cannon to fire rifle caliber ammunition, training could be conducted on regular rifle ranges available at most Army posts. This was essentially a standard rifle action bolted into an adapter to fit into the cannon barrel. Around 1935-1940, an estimated 1,000 Model 1903 rifles had the stock assembly and front and rear sights removed, and the trigger staked in place, and were designated Rifle, Model 1903A2, to be kept specifically for sub-caliber use. Some were marked with the "A2" marking, but not all. By the end of WW2, the sub-caliber use was abandoned and most of the Model 1903A2 rifles were rebuilt into regular service rifles. Most collectors are familiar with the M1903A1 and M1903A3 rifles, but have never seen the M1903A2. Most were later rebuilt and issued as standard infantry rifles.

 

[ratranger]

Here's a page from an old TM that has shown up online since I originally bought it.

 

[John6185]

I wish I had one of those, in my mind I feel there is little to go wrong with a bolt action rifle, they are very dependable. If CMP wold get some bolt action I'd buy one. but...

 

[Taprackfire]

Looks correct. Even has the swept bolt handle.