US Army surplus .22 rifles

[Pathfinder]

Years ago, early 60's, I was in a gun club my Dad and some other dads started, and they procured 7 or 8 Army surplus .22 bolt action rifles. These things, as I recall, were just short of 1903 dimension, with what we call today bull barrels - I'm thinking maybe the diameter of a quarter but I was small, and had little T-rex arms anyhow, and it took me a year just to keep the barrel from bouncing off the concrete at the indoor range we used.

They came with 5-round magazines, which we were never allowed to use, good discipline enforced through single shot, working the bolt each time, collecting the brass, etc. Sights were rear peep, cannot remember the front sights. Stocks were dark wood, probably walnut, well oiled/preserved. That's about all I recall.

Anyhow, does anyone have an idea as to what these might have been?  I've looked for Winchesters and Remingtons like this description but have come up empty.

Thanks.

 

[tombogan03884]

When I was in the NH National Guard as unit armourer, we had several .22 target rifles similar to what you describe, It's been years now but I THINK they were Mossbergs

[kcgunnr]

You are probably thinking of the Mossberg M44 or 44US or the 42MB

[Hazcat]

You are probably thinking of the Mossberg M44 or 44US or the 42MB

What did you say?  I can't understand your mumbling.

[Pathfinder]

You are probably thinking of the Mossberg M44 or 44US or the 42MB

It may have been the 44US. We did not have the musket stock of the 44US, but an arsenal may have by the late 50's trimmed those back. The trigger guard looks different but the safety is right.

I do not recall at all the trigger guard and finger grips of the 42 - but that could just be age or me focusing solely on keeping the barrel from bouncing off the floor.

Keep guessing, I appreciate the help.

 

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