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October 5th, 2022

Collectible 1911s and Springfield M1903 on Shooting USA Today

Today’s episode of Shooting USA TV has two interesting reports. Fans of 1911 pistols will enjoy the report on America’s leading collector of this classic handgun. In addition, Shooting USA has an informative feature on the Springfield Model 1903 bolt-action rifle, which served the U.S. military in two World Wars.

Shooting USA SHOW TIMES: This Shooting USA Episode airs Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific; 8:00 PM Central. If you miss the regular broadcast, you can stream the show online at any time on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode.

America’s Most Notable 1911 Collector

model m1911 pistol john browning shooting usa Today’s Shooting USA episde features a notable collector of rare and extremely valuable 1911s from as far back as the Military Trials in March of 1911. He even owns the Savage that competed for the contract and lost to John Browning’s design made by Colt. Plus, he has 1911s with official documents to prove they don’t exist, but they are very much present in his collection. At a location in Indiana, behind a 1300-pound door, rests a stash of 1911s that would make any museum proud.

The 1911 pistol, the most famous of John Browning’s classic pistol designs, served as the standard pistol of the US Military for 75 years. More than two and a half million were made for U.S. forces, and civilian versions are still in production today. The 1911 is one of the most popular for collectors, because of its rich history, and the many variations by different gun-makers.

There are so many different variations of the war era 1911 that it’s hard to keep track of all the versions. In fact, some 1911s are known not by the markings they have but rather the markings they lack. Collectors call them “lunchbox guns”, pistols that made their way out of the factory (maybe in somebody’s lunchbox) before they got a serial number and proof markings.

History’s Guns — Springfield Model 1903-A3 Rifle

Mention WW II and instantly folks will remember the M1 Garand. But at the start of the war, there weren’t enough of them. So, thousands of American soldiers instead carried the Model 1903 Springfield, left over from World War I. And Remington got the contract to make more and make them quickly. That brought changes, lots of them, and a new designation, the U.S. Model 1903-A3. This legendary rifle is featured today on Shooting USA’s History’s Guns segment.

M1903 Springfield shooter at Camp Perry. From GarandThumbBlog’s 2015 CMP Games Video.
CMP Master instructor clinic workshop training Camp Perry Talladega Marksmanship

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April 15th, 2012

Rock Ridge 1903 A3s and A4s Classified as “Curios and Relics”

Creedmoor Sports now sells authentic Springfield 1903 A3 and A4 rifles that have been re-stocked, re-barreled, and refinished by by Curt Wolfe at Rockridge Machine Works. If you have been interested in acquiring one of these rifles for use in Vintage Military Rifle matches, here’s some good news. As of April 2, 2012, the Rock Ridge Springfield 1903-A3 and A4 are now both recognized as Curios and Relics. This means that anyone possessing a valid 03 FFL (Curio and Relics Federal Firearms License) are now eligible to have these particular rifles shipped directly to them. (However, please check with local laws to see if other restrictions may apply — such as waiting periods and storage restrictions). The A3 variants start at $875.00 while the 1903 A4 “Sniper” model sells for $1135. The Rock Ridge A3s and A4s both feature turned-down GI Bolts, and NEW 1:10″ twist .30-06 original contour barrels.

springfield 1903 a3

The C&R status of the Rock Ridge 1903 A3/A4 has been confirmed by an April 2, 2012 letter issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). CLICK HERE to read ATF Letter.

1903 A4 Rock Ridge springfield

Dennis DeMille, G.M. of Creedmoor Sports, reports: “These rifles are NICE! Issue condition nice. Much nicer than the one I set a National Record with.” The A4s feature original Remington actions with turned-down GI bolt, fitted to new 4 groove, 1:10″ twist barrels chambered in .30-06. All fire-control parts are original GI. The A4s come with walnut-stained reproduction “C” stock, Malcolm reproduction of original Weaver 330C (M73B1) scope, original GI buttplate, and repro GI military leather sling. The A3s have original Smith Corona M1903 actions, and click-adjustable iron sights. NOTE: Both the A3s and A4s use intact receivers, NOT re-welded decommissioned versions.

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August 22nd, 2011

DeMille Smashes Record in Springfield Rifle Match at Perry

Dennis DeMille, Gen. Manager of Creedmoor Sports, fired a rare 100-4X in the standing stage of the 2011 Springfield Rifle Match, winning the event and setting a new record in the process. DeMille’s 297-8X Aggregate score broke the previous record of 295-6X set by Douglas Armstrong last year. DeMille fired a 98-2X in slow-fire prone, and a 99-2X rapid-fire prone. DeMille then capped his record-setting match with his remarkable 100-4X in the final offhand stage. MSG Julia Watson, USMC, the only female competitor, placed second with a 293-4X Aggregate.

DeMille is Former National High Power Champion
A former U.S. Marine Rifle Team member, Dennis is no stranger to the podium at Camp Perry. Dennis won the NRA Nat’l High Power Championship in 2005 and the Service Rifle National Championship in 2003. This year Dennis proved this year that he still has what it takes. Congratulations to Dennis — Well done! After Dennis returned from Camp Perry, we asked him some questions about his 1903 Springfield rifle and his performance.

Interview with Dennis DeMille

Q: How does it feel to win an elite competition at age 46 compared to your other championships earlier in your career?

Dennis: Notwithstanding my freakish friend Carl Bernosky, as you get older, for a variety of reasons, winning becomes a little bit harder — in my case it’s poor vision. So of course each victory tastes a little sweeter and nothing is taken for granted.

Q: What were conditions like at the match this year?

Dennis: We had beautiful conditions that day — just a little warm.

Q. What ammo were you using?

Dennis: Hornady 168 grain .30-06, as issued at the Match.

Q: Was anything special done to accurize your rifle?

Dennis: No. This was the first match for this stock though. I think that might be why I shot two 9s in prone slow fire — it was still settling in. Nothing has been done to any part of the rifle to make it more accurate. The rifle is “as-is” from the CMP … complete with nasty trigger. Before I shoot it again though I am going to swap out the front sight blade for a fatter USMC type blade so I can see it [better].

Q. You nailed the standing, often considered the hardest stage. What advice can you give to shooters who want to improve their standing abilities?

Dennis: No secret there — snap-in, holding exercises, and a good mental program. In particular I recommend 20 one-minute holding exercises, with 30-second breaks in between each hold. That is the quickest and best way to identify a poor position (because it will be painful), and build a well-supported position.

Q: Does Creedmoor Sports have any specialty products for shooters of the 1903 Springfield or other vintage military rifles?

Dennis: We really don’t have many products specific to those rifles. But the beauty of those rifles and that course of fire is that there isn’t much you need to buy.

Dennis DeMille

Photos Courtesy Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP).

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August 11th, 2011

CMP Photo Galleries from National Matches at Camp Perry

You can view hundreds of photos from the National Matches at Camp Perry at the CMP’s Zenfolio Image Archive on the web. There are separate collections for each event, with up to 450 images per collection. Once you open a particular collection, you can click through the images individually or select the “slide show” option. For you vintage rifle fans, here are some images from the Springfield & Vintage Military Rifle Match, the John C. Garand Match, and the Vintage Sniper Rifle Match.

Springfield & Vintage Military Match