3650

Exceptionally Rare Springfield Armory Model "T1" Experimental 22 LR Bolt Action Rifle Serial Number

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Exceptionally Rare Springfield Armory Model  T1  Experimental 22 LR  Bolt Action Rifle Serial Number
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Estimate: $7500 - 15000
Manufacturer: Springfield Armory U.S. Model: T1
This is an extraordinary example of a rare Springfield Armory "T1" 22LR experimental rifle. This series of rifles was developed specifically by Springfield Armory in the 1926/27 time frame to correct deficiencies and shortcomings of the original 1922 training rifles and is described on pages 290-294 of the book; "The Springfield 1903 Rifles" by Col Bill Brophy. One of the noted shortcomings of these early rifles were that they had weak bolt lugs, (where the front and rear halves of the bolts were assembled) and they had to utilize a unique receiver that was only used on the 22 training rifles. Consequently these rifles were intended to develop the use of the standard "1903" rifle receiver instead of this special M1922, 22 LR caliber receivers. This later feature was intended to standardize all rifles manufactured by Springfield Armory on one receiver. It is estimated that only 12 of these experimental T1 and T1E1 rifles were ever manufactured with the assumption that all, (except this one) were retained by Springfield Armory. This rifle does in fact include the newly designed original experimental longer rifle bolt with the short front bolt head. The receiver is also an actual "1903" rifle receiver that has had the receiver ring shortened and has been fitted with a complete metal insert inside the trigger guard box to hold the 22 caliber clip. So the only common parts on a "T1" rifle is the actual receiver, and trigger guard. The complete bolt and cocking knob assembly are unique to this rifle. The top of the receiver is marked "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/ARMORY/T1/CAL..22/11" in six lines. The barrel is marked with "S A/Ordnance Corps Shell and Flame insignia/5-37" behind the front sight. The bolt handle and bolt body are correctly not serial numbered, (since this is an experimental rifle) and the rifle is fitted with the original Lyman 48C micrometer sight on the receiver. The rifle is correctly not drilled and tapped for scope blocks and is fitted in a M1922 M2 service stock with finger grooves on the sides with the coarse checkered service buttplate with no trap door. The stock is stamped on the left rear side with a boxed "SA/G" proof mark.
BBL: 24 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 22 LR
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 11
Condition:
Very fine, with 99% of the Arsenal high polished presentation style blue finish overall. The stock is excellent with minor handling marks with sharp finger grooves with a clear stock proof on the left side. This rifle is an exceptionally rare rifle and maybe one of only a handful that still exists today and in private hands, so don't miss the opportunity to obtain this beautiful rifle.