Also FWIW, there are a LOT more 'star gauge' barrels out there than ever left the Armory! And, a LOT more 'NM/Sniper' 1903s than ever left Springfield, as well.
All it takes is an inexpensive stamp, an electro-etcher, some lapping compound and a little elbow grease. I personally know of at least 2 gun show sharks who have been faking these things for years, they're perhaps the easiest of all 'sniper' rifles to fake.
Also the prolific shooter will soon discover that, as Tom pointed out, even a genuine star-gauged barrel is not necessarily any more accurate than any other Springfield-made 1903 barrel. All I have owned and shot (with decent, not perfect, bores) have been 1-MOA performers for 5 shots. Considering my 'ability' (grin), IMO that's quite a good recommendation.
Regards, Joe
