It is has been reported that fewer than five thousand Factory Sporters
were produced by Springfield. This serial number was verified as being
listed in the DCM serial number book, as having left the Springfield
factory as a true sporter. The information was supplied over the phone
by Michael Petrov in Alaska (Thanks again Mike!). Because of the serial
number, this should be a nickel steel receiver and not subject to the
brittleness problems associated with some earlier rifles.
This example has apparently had some modifications done to the
stock, and they may or may not be factory options. The rear sling swivel
base holes have been plugged and a European style swivel mounted. The
Front band has been elininated, as has the step for it in the stock. The
band retention pin holes have been plugged and a Euro style barrel band
swivel installed, to match the rear swivel. The stock is solid,
crack-free, and has a few scattered handling marks and dings. Length of
pull is 13-1/8" over the steel butt plate.
The 24" Star Gauge barrel has a great bore and chamber, with crisp
lands and grooves from front to back. A borrowed optical boroscope also
revealed a really nice bore, with some roughness just starting in the
grooves for the last few inches toward the muzzle. Metal finish is
thinning in spots, concentrated on the front half of the barrel and on
the bottom metal.
This is the opportunity to obtain a unique, handsome NRA Sporter
for a decent price.
