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Title:	RIFLE, MILITARY -  U.S. RIFLE MODEL 1903 .30 SN# 357867
Maker/Manufacturer:	SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
Date of Manufacture:	1909
Eminent Figure:	MOORE, R.A.
Catalog Number:	SPAR 6182
Measurements:	OL:110.4CM 43 1/2" BL: 60.9CM 24"

Object Description:

U.S. RIFLE MODEL 1903 .30 SN# 357867
Manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield, Ma. - Model 1903 bolt-action rifle with Moore silencer, and experimental front sight and drift slide. Silencer was tested against the Maxim silencer in 1914 and was judged to be better. Front sight is hooded and has opposing tapered post. These posts, when aligned with the special shaped rear peep, were supposed to be a better method of aiming at a target. Experimental sight designed by Lt. Roscoe on September 3, 1929. Well in buttplate for cleaning rod, etc. Silencer designed by Mr. Robert A. Moore.

Markings:
Receiver: U.S./SPRINGFIELD ARMORY/MODEL 1903/357867. (A, U, W, 2.)
Barrel: SA/Ordnance bomb/8-08. (7, P, W, D, Y, C10)
Bolt: E or B.
Bayonet lug: H.
Cutoff recess: E.
Stock: P in circle. S on forend.

Notes: "SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. Test of Moore Silencer attached to a U.S. Rifle, caliber .30, Model of 1903, in comparison with a Maxim silencer, Model 15, latter attached to the same rifle.
From the results of the above tests the Board is of the opinion that there is but little difference between the Moore and Maxim silencers as regards to reduction of sound, recoil, and flash; that the method of attachment of the Moore silencer to the service rifle is superior to the attachment provided with the Maxim silencer, model 15; that while the Moore silencer gives higher velocity and does not deflect shot group as much as the Maxim silencer, yet the endurance of the Moore silencer indicates that it has not yet been sufficiently perfected to withstand rapid fire, and is therefore inferior to the Maxim silencer.
After later tests of this silencer for accuracy and endurance, 100 of the silencers were purchased for full trial, including the experimental use with troops." - OCO, July, 1912.

Tests of the Moore Silencer at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii indicated the following: "There is a marked difference in the recoil; the recoil with the silencer being very little. The sound is lessened greatly with the Moore silencer but not as much with the Maxim silencer. There is a large reduction in the blast. In firing shots at 500 and 1000 yards range groups of 10 shots were fired which showed that there is no difference in the accuracy with or without the silencer and with or without the bayonet; with the bayonet attached to the silencer however the rifle is thrown out of balance making it harder to hold on the target. Also, the bayonet had to be put on again after each shot because the recoil threw the ring of the bayonet off the silencer, this on account of the fact that the muzzle of the silencer is too rounded."

LOAN HISTORY:
ARMY #1233 - Loaned to Headquarters, 1st. Btln., 104th Inf. Mass. National Guard, Springfield, Ma. from 21 Feb. 1958 to 24 Feb. 1958.

See, Brophy, pp. 433-434.
See, O.O. 39-244-9497 Sept. 3, 1929.

References:
Brophy, William S. THE SPRINGFIELD 1903 RIFLES. Stackpole Books. Harrisburg, Pa. 1985.