3656

Extremely Rare Documented Springfield Model 1924 International Match Single Shot Bolt Action Interna

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,250.00 USD Estimated At:8,500.00 - 13,000.00 USD
Extremely Rare Documented Springfield Model 1924 International Match Single Shot Bolt Action Interna
Buyer's Premium is 20.5% by credit card, reduced to 18% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.

Estimate: $8500 - 13000
This is an extremely rare,1924 International Match Bolt Action target rifle that was built using the tried and true 1903 rifle action. The genesis of these rifles was that in 1923 the Government solicited several prominent rifle/barrel makers to manufacture select/special rifle barrels and assemble them on 1903 actions, for use in the upcoming 1924 International Rifle matches. In all 40 barreled receivers were received from three different producers; 15 each from Winchester; 5 each from the well known barrel maker H.M. Pope and 20 from the Remington Arms company. All 40 barreled actions were tested by Frankfurt Arsenal for accuracy and out of the 40 candidates, the best 15 were selected for use in the 1924 international rifle matches, with the remaining rifles used for spares and practice rifles. All 40 rifles are recorded by serial number on page 116 of "The Springfield 1903 Rifle" by Lt. Col. William Brophy, of those used for the 1924 International Match Rifles. This specific rifle is listed by serial number, as one of the original "15" best selected for accuracy, when originally built with the 30 inch long, Remington Arms, 1-10 twist barrel. At that time it's prevailed figure of merit was 2.61 inches at 300 meters. This rifle is still fitted with one of the original 1924 International Match, Remington Arms barrels, however it has been shortened to 28 inches and set back. This is consistent with exactly what Springfield Armory did, which is, as the barrel started to wear out and loose some of its accuracy, SA would just shorten the breech end, rethread, rechamber and reinstall it on one of the original 1903 International Match rifle actions. The barrel is marked on the right rear side, in two-lines with the: "Remington Arms/TRADE MARK" legend in front of the receiver. In addition this rifle has one of the rare 1903 trigger guards with the "double set triggers" produced specifically for these 1924 International Match rifles. Also included is one of the brass single shot inserts that was intended to also double as the attachment point for a cork/ball palm rest (now missing). This rifle is still equipped with the original Lyman 48C target rear sight, as well as one of the Winchester A5 scopes, that retains the original Winchester scope mounts, adjustable for windage and elevation, which are installed on Winchester style bases. Additionally the top of the barrel has, two additional sets of scope block holes. It still retains the original "WL3" marked bolt with the headless cocking piece. It is fitted with an original short walnut, pistol grip stock without finger grooves and correct barrel band, with a checkered steel buttplate.
BBL: 28 inch heavy round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 30-06
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 1257708
Condition: Excellent. The rifle retains 95% plus of the original parkerized type finish showing some loss at the muzzle. The stock is very fine with a series of minor handling marks on the left side and a repair on the comb. Mechanically excellent. The scope is good with traces of blue on the scope tube and the elevation and windage knobs work correctly. The optics are clear however the crosshairs are broken and have fallen askew.