What is this?

[Zingger]

Hey All- I found this yesterday at a rummage sale of sorts. Looked kind of cool so I brought it home. Has something to do with a 1903 (see pictures) A early target-type apparatus? If someone out there collects these put me in touch with them please. If nothing else, it is something that I haven't seen before.I thought it was a conversion kit for .22 lr but it doesn't appear to be.

Thank you!

[Paper Puncher]

Hollifield Dotter training device.

https://www.rifleman.org.uk/Hollifield_Dotter.htm

[Bent Ramrod]

Does it have a needle point on the end? I think somebody made a barrel insert that would poke a hole in a target placed close to the muzzle, yet far enough in front so the sights could be put on target.

This was for training Army recruits in the barracks on the proper sight picture and trigger pull without needing expensive ammunition or a trip to the rifle range.

There are people who collect trainer rifles, dummy rifles and training aids. I used to be acquainted with one, years back, who had a fabulous collection of 1922 Springfields, .22 caliber Mauser trainers, cast Japanese drill rifles and the like. Been out of touch for decades now.

[lead-1]

That's a neat looking contraption, never seen anything like it. I'd say that was a good score on your part.

[Zingger]

Thank you for the ID. It is missing the cartridge and one of the tubes, but the spring is present.

[bullet maker 57]

Very interesting find.