Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS

CASE 52

Competition Weapons

In 1903 an Army board recommended the National Match competitions in order to promote competitive rifle shooting among Army, National Guard, and civilian marksmen. The Matches have provided a setting for the exchange of ideas and techniques to improve marksmanship and equipment of the U.S. armed services. Initially limited to service rifles and carbines – at that time the Krags – the competition has since included the firearms displayed here. In addition, the National Match “course of fire” has come to be employed by shooting clubs throughout the United States.

Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS

Catalog# SPAR 1616

M1898 Krag

The first weapon used at the National Matches in 1903 was the M1898 standard issue Krag-Jorgensen. Even with the adoption of the M1903 Springfield, many competitors preferred the Krag. The Krag is still considered the smoothest bolt action weapon ever developed and remains popular with hunters and sportsmen.

Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS

Catalog# SPAR 1610

M1903A1 NM

Springfield Armory began production of specially made National Match rifles, the M1903 NM, in 1921. Prior to that date, standard 1903 service rifles were made during between 1928 and 1940. This example is one of the earlier ones, modified with the addition of a “C” type, or pistol grip, stock.

Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS

Catalog# SPAR 1711

M1922M1 .22 Caliber

Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS

Catalog# SPAR 1609

M1 "GARAND" NM

In March 1953, Springfield Armory was directed by the Chief of Ordnance to furnish 800 .30 caliber M1 rifles for use at the National Matches. Because production standards for service rifles were so high only minor gunsmithing was needed to obtain National Match quality. By 1959 production of new M1 rifles was phased out and all subsequent M1 NMs were made by rebuilding existing rifles or assembled from supplies of parts on hand.

Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS

Catalog# SPAR 1611

M14 NM Rifle

The M14 National Match rifle is the same basic design and operation as the standard issue M14 rifle, except for the elimination of automatic fire capability. Each M14 NM rifle is required to fire 50 match rounds without a malfunction during targeting and accuracy tests. The extreme spread of these groups cannot exceed 3.5 inches at 100 yards.

Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS

Catalog# SPAR 1323

M1911A1 NM

The requirement for a National Match pistol was established in 1954. At a meeting held at the Springfield Armory, an engineering project was begun for rebuilding standard issue M1911A1 pistols to superior accuracy and targeting requirements for National Match competition. This specimen was manufactured at Remington Rand and rebuilt at the Armory to meet National Match specifications.