U.S. Springfield magazine rifle proto-type .30-0x

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Culpeper
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U.S. Springfield magazine rifle proto-type .30-0x

Post by Culpeper »

From ARMY AND NAVY JOURNAL September 13, 1902

SEA GIRT RIFLE MEETING.

A large attendance , remarkably high scores , and excellent weather conditions, characterized the annual meet
to Fort Riley will make the start. The four troops of post, will join this week . ing of the N.R.A. of America , the New Jersey State Rifle Association, and the U.S. Revolver Association, held on the splendid range at Sea Girt, New Jersey, from Aug. 29 to Sept. 2 inclusive.
Interest was added to the meeting this year by the
the evening. ...

... Not the least important feature of the meeting was the trial of two new rifles, and ammunition belonging to the U.S. Government under the direction of Capt. O. M. Lissak, U. S. A., who also had on the grounds two of the most expert mechanics in the employ of the Ordnance Department. One was Richard Hare and the other Freeman Bull. Both have shot and watched the development of Government small arms for very many years. M. Bull is in his 68th year.

The new rifles brought to Sea Girt resemble the Mauser. They are known as the U.S. Springfield magazine rifle, and the only difference is in the rifling. In one, the ususal form of rifling prevails, while the other has what is called oval bore rifling, having two grooves. Both rifles have an 8-inch twist. The cartridge used contains 43 grains of powder, and a 220-grain bullet. Several expert shooters fired the new rifle for experiment, and they created a favorable impression. The trial was too limited, however, to give any decided opinion. The recoil was said to be greater than that of the Krag rifles. ...



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Ned Butts
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Re: U.S. Springfield magazine rifle proto-type .30-0x

Post by Ned Butts »

Interesting thanks

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Culpeper
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Re: U.S. Springfield magazine rifle proto-type .30-0x

Post by Culpeper »

Boy, are we lucky. The experimental rifle may have looked like this one.

https://www.rockislandauction.com/riac- ... -232849581

https://www.rockislandauction.com/detai ... on-carbine
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butlersrangers
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Re: U.S. Springfield magazine rifle proto-type .30-0x

Post by butlersrangers »

So, what's not to like?

It looks like Col. Whelen had a very serviceable & powerful carbine.

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butlersrangers
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Re: U.S. Springfield magazine rifle proto-type .30-0x

Post by butlersrangers »

The Springfield rifle tried by competitors at Sea Girt in 1902 was probably like the second or third from the top.

(I took these photos at SA last September).
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Doubly Reincarnated
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Re: U.S. Springfield magazine rifle proto-type .30-0x

Post by Doubly Reincarnated »

I'd need a lot more info on Lt. Whelen's carbine before I bid on it. No photo of markings on receiver ring. No SN. No provenance. For that price, I expect all of that.

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butlersrangers
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Re: U.S. Springfield magazine rifle proto-type .30-0x

Post by butlersrangers »

I built mine from desecrated parts and was able to scope it for way under $5,000.
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Culpeper
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Re: U.S. Springfield magazine rifle proto-type .30-0x

Post by Culpeper »

Doubly Reincarnated wrote: Mon Jan 31, 2022 6:39 pm I'd need a lot more info on Lt. Whelen's carbine before I bid on it. No photo of markings on receiver ring. No SN. No provenance. For that price, I expect all of that.
SN is 11.
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