Rare Springfield Armory M2 M1922M2 Trainer 24″ NRA Pre-WWII Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1933-1940, C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,450.00
LSB#: 181226DN17

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: M2 (also called the 1922M2). The M2 is the final designation of the M1922 .22 Caliber Rifles.

Serial Number: 15705
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Year of Manufacture: 1933 to 1940. May, 1942 Barrel Date

Caliber: .22 LR (Long Rifle)

Action Type: Bolt Action, Detachable Magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / CAL. .22 M2 / 15705”. The top of the barrel is marked “S A / flaming bomb / 5 – 42”. The left side of the barrel shank is marked “LONG RIFLE / CART’GE ONLY”. The safety lever is marked “SAFE READY”. The top of the bolt handle is marked “N S” for nickel steel as well as “M2”. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked “7”. The bolt body is marked “M2” ahead of the lug. The extractor is marked “C 3998”. The bolt body is marked “D2822372”. The bolt body is etched with the serial number. The barrel band is marked “U” on the right. The right side of the rear sight is marked with the Lyman logo and “REG. U.S. PAT. OFF”. The top of the rear sight is marked “LYMAN / REG. U.S. PAT. OFF”. The right side of the front sight is marked “2”.The face of the grip is marked with a faded “circled P” proof. The left side of the butt is stamped with a boxed inspector’s cartouche containing “SA / R.” which is a post WWII rebuild stamp from the Springfield Armory (page 389 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3^rd Edition).
The top left of the magazine is marked “M2”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a raised base. The rear sight is fully adjustable Lyman aperture marked “0 25 50 75 100 125”. The right side of the rear sight shows a spot of pin prick surface erosion.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, finger grooves, barrel band with sling loop, sling loop under the butt and a checkered metal buttplate. The left side of the stock shows a ½ scratch next to the bottom metal. The top of the butt shows a few small deep scrapes next to the buttplate. The wood shows other light scrapes & scuffs. Most of these marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine Plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Rebuild

Bore Condition: The bore is bright; semi bright at the muzzle. The rifling is crisp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The front sight & band show scrapes & thinning. The meat shows various light scrapes & scuffs. The screw heads are intact. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork& Accessories: The rifle comes with an M2 magazine. For a photo see page 275 of Lt. Col. William S. Brophy’s book, The 1903 Springfield Rifles. It shows some light scrapes. It is in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.

Our Assessment: Starting in 1922, Springfield Armory was directed to work with the National Rifle Association (NRA) to develop a .22 caliber rifle that could be used by Office of the Director of Civilian Marksmanship (DCM) affiliated rifle clubs and by Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) shooting teams. The result was the M1922 Rifle. After several upgrades, the final configuration & designation of the M1922 .22 Caliber Rifle is the M2. The M2 was used by the military and sold to the civilian market.
This M2 was originally produced sometime between 1933 and 1940. After WWII it was Arsenal Rebuilt at Springfield Armory using a 1942 dated Springfield barrel (the last year of M2 parts production). The bore is strong & bright, the metal finish is nice, the wood is in great shape and the markings are clear & deep. The stock even has a Springfield Armory Arsenal Rebuild cartouche stamped on it. This is on Fine M2 rife. The Springfield M2 has become a desired collector’s piece. This Rare rifle will add nicely to your Military collection.
Note: Production of M2 parts continued until 1942 with all of the post 1940 production going to the military. Barrels manufactured in 1942 were slightly shorter than pre 1942 M2 barrels and had counter sunk muzzles. Barrels dated 1942 were used in large quantities to rebarreled rifles that were Arsenal Refurbished during and after WWII.
For more information on the Model 1922 Trainers see pages 50 to 55 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition. Good luck.

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This rifle is curio and relic eligible and can be transferred/sold in California.