Arguably one of the hardest to find variations of the Model 1903 U.S. Springfield rifle is the Air Service Model. This rifle is four numbers off of the example listed in William Brophy's Definitive Guide entitled "The Springfield 1903 Rifles" page 78. According to Brophy, this was extremely limited production with serial number ranges in the 860,000 with barrel dates early 1918. The barrel is stamped "SA4-18". Special features on this rifle include the short 29" stock that extends just forward of front band, the stock was specially made and not cut down and does not have the hollow recess in the tip end. Another tell tale feature, the stock is not cut for a lower band retaining spring, the special band is not split, it is solid and where the swivel would normally be there is a small wood screw holding the band in place. The toe of the stock was never inletted for a sling swivel. All of these special made features are distinctive to this rifle. The shortened hand guard does not have the sight protecting hump and measures 5-3/4" long. There is no sight groove. The rear sight was fabricated from the 1905 for use only on the Air Service rifle. The walnut stock bears the inspectors cartouche on left side stamped, "J.F.C." in rectangle. J.F. Coyle inspector from 1904 - 1918. Has the block letter "P" in circle under wrist. Smooth steel buttplate with trapdoor. Has the special extended 25 round magazine which is stamped with eagle head "X311". Has the straight bolt. Safety has serifs, proper knurled bolt knob. Bore has an ME reading of 1 and a TE reading of 2. All metal surfaces retain the majority of their dull military 1918 era matte finish. Stock is in excellent condition with no cracks or chips. Factory stamps are bold. Bore is bright. These rifles were intended as special weapons to be fired from airplanes during the first World War. Total production number is unknown but given the few surviving examples that have surfaced makes this weapon one of the most desirable of all U.S. military firearms and a must have in any advanced U.S. or Springfield 1903 collection. An opportunity not to be missed by any serious collector. Comes with Springfield research letter. Serial Number-860920; Manufacturer-Springfield; Model-1903; Caliber-.30-06; Barrel Length-24"; FFL Status-Curio & Relic;

CORRECTION: Comes with factory letter.