Well, I have at last tracked down some photographs of TR's famous Model 1903 sporting rifle. These photographs are the only decent ones I have been able to find anywhere.

I got them from the curator of the Springfield Armory, in Springfield, Massachusetts, where the rifle was originally made, and where it is now on loan from the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site.

I thought the forum might enjoy seeing these as much as I do.

Left Side of Receiver Ring

Left Side Full View

Top of Receiver Ring

Right Side Full View

A few historical notes.

This rifle was not a "sporterized" military model, but was built from scratch by the armory specifically for TR and to his order. It is the first true sporting Springfield, except for a couple of prototypes that were also built specifically for TR's review and approval. As you can see from one of the photographs, it is serial number 6000.

The rifle is still in the original, unaltered .30-03 chambering. Rifles chambered for the .30-03 can fire the .30-06 cartridge, but not vice versa. TR used some of the military arsenal made .30-06 caliber, 150 grain, spitzer-bulleted FMJ ammunition in this rifle during his 1909-10 African safari.

Note also the Winchester sights, which TR insisted upon when specifying what he wanted. He also had the military armorers shape the buttstock to be as close to that of a Winchester lever action as they could.

It is scarred and beat to hell from hard use, but still in remarkably good shape for being nearly 100 years old.

What an artifact!

Interesting -- thanks for posting them.

Now, that was a classic safari rifle. Just think what it would fetch if it ever went on auction. Mucho Dinero.

Having grown up in Oyster Bay, I used to jog to the top of Sagamore hill every am and again every evening. Back when I was in shape.

In the 70 and 80s most of his guns were on display and it was really interesting to see all of them in person. I actually got to handle a few of them because I made friends with one of the park rangers that worked there. I helped him clean them on a few occasions.

I especially liked his peacemaker which was stolen sometime around 88 or so. No it wasn't me. After that they sent most of the guns off to museums for safe keeping. His 405 was still there last time I visited as was a hammer SXS shotgun which was one of the classiest things I’ve seen. Very well used but beautiful all the same.

This is a great tour to take if you are ever in the area. It's about an hour outside NYC if you're ever in the area. There are a number of TR’s own taxidermy works that he did as a kid. Simply a wonderful man and an interesting life to be studied there.

This could be why TR is my favorite President. Besides I love the walk softly and carry a big stick line. Amen brother.

MR

Thank you for the post and photos, indeed , very interesting.

475GUY Stated, "Just think what it would fetch if it ever went on auction, Mucho Dinero".

I would be more interested in what that rifle would say if it could talk!

Mauser Rifle

Everyday is a great day, some days are just better than others!

It would probably say, "That's Just Bully!"

Thank you for the post. Always great to take a look at historical aspects of America.
Frank

The Roosevelt rifle was beautiful. Thanks for the link.

I remember seeing a 95 in 30-03 at DJ's Sport Shop in Bothell, WA. They get that kind of thing now and again.


Okie John