POTD: The M1903 Trainer – U.S. Springfield Armory M2 Training Rifle
Sam.S 12.11.23
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The Springfield Armory M2 bolt-action rifle was a .22 Long Rifle training cadet rifle introduced by the U.S. in 1922. Mimicking the military’s M1903 Springfield, it gave recruits a similar manual of arms. The original Model 1922 had some flaws, so an improved M1922M1 variant came out in 1925, with a better bolt, sights, chambering, and stock. The NRA also sold a civilian sporting version. Further tweaks led to the 1933 M2, with a simplified bolt and adjustable headspace mechanism to prevent cracking issues. The final M2 became the standard production version used through WWII. With shortages impacting dedicated training rifles, its production finally ceased in 1942 after over 11,000 were made. Multiple old variants were retrofitted by Springfield Armory into M1 and M2 models over the years, creating an array of serial numbers and markings. Accurate and reliable, the Model 1922 cadet rifle served over 20 years molding marksmen before America’s WWII mobilization.
“SA/9-41” marked barrel and “NS/M2” marked bolt hand-numbered to the receiver, unmarked stock.
Manufacturer: Springfield Armory U.S.Model: M2Type: RifleGauge: 22 LRBarrel: 24 inch roundFinish: parkerizedStock: walnut”
Lot 6757: U.S. Springfield Armory M2 Bolt Action Training Rifle. (n.d.-bt). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved December 10, 2023, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1034/6757/u.s.-springfield-armory-m2-bolt-action-training-rifle.
