Model 1903 Mk I Springfield Rifle …………( F 961) Sold
Created on September 16th 2021
Springfield Model 1903 Mk I for Pederson device Rifle
As with the overall majority of these rifles, by Army decree, they were all returned to 03 specification after the First World War. So in effect what we have available today are arsenal refurbed standard model 1903 rifles with an ejection port cut in the action wall and altered receiver markings. The rifle is once again a .30-06 single shot bolt action rifle with an internal 5-shot magazine. The action is basically Mauser in design with a turn bolt system and flag safety. These rifles as altered with Pederson Device, served in WWI as rapid fire weapons for trench clearing at close quarters. The shortened .30 calibre bullet which the device utilised was generally thought to be of an unsatisfactory low power so the project was scrapped after hostilities ended.
This Springfield rifle is 43.1/4″ in overall length. The blued round barrel is a nominal 24″ and the trigger Pull is 12.3/4″ to centre. As a .30 calibre battle rifle they were fairly diminutive compared to others which were around at the time; for this reason along with the powerful .30-06 cartridge they were popular with the troops. After all something that is both light and effective to the foot slogging Infantryman is going to be favoured against say, the much bulkier Model 17. Additionally a fully trained “Doughboy” could achieve remarkable accuracy and rate of fire with these weapons despite the complicated sights. Older shooters of today do sometimes find the rear sights a bit of a challenge, however, imagine you have the eyes of a keen young American recruit who has never suffered from eyestrain in his life, never looked at a digital screen in the half light, or spent half his evenings in front of the T.V. – then your results might be a little different!
In an American Black Walnut military Remington straight grip stock with no finger grooves. Twin screws transverse under the action and long hump Remington Modified handguard over the barrel. None of this unusual as the rifle has the marking to show it has been through arsenal rebuilds. The stock being in very good condition with multiple cartouches under close observation. The most obvious being the boxed F.J.A. on the LHS of the wrist, along with “R.A.” for Remington arms and the circular Crossed Cannons mark. Also with a glass it is possible to see the multiple sub-inspectors marks on the underside of the stock, just in front of the trigger guard assembly. There are at least two circled final “P” markings behind the trigger guard and a boxed “R.I.A. / E.B.” rebuild mark in the L.H.S of the butt.
The round receiver is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / MODEL 1903 / MARK I / 1045079.” This serial number puts production of this rifle in 1918. The ejection port in the side is still present but there is no letting-in of the stock to accommodate effective ejection, as this is a replacement stock. Early plain (un-checked) steel butt-plate with trap for cleaning equipment. Twin sling swivels and stacking hook. The for-end cap incorporates a bayonet lug on the underside. The barrel is marked just forward of the front band with the following; ” S.A./ flaming bomb / 11 – 18.” Thin blade front sight and graduated ladder rear sight, with multiple aiming points. It is graduated from 100 to 2700 yards and is equipped with windage adjustment. The side adjustment wheels are the later flat type, the sight collar is the original Springfield fitting with the lightening cuts. Gas escape hole on RHS of receiver. Bolt release on the rear LHS of the action incorporating magazine cut-off positions. Flag safety to rear marked “READY” and “SAFE” Bolt arm stem marked with “X”. Milled magazine floor plate and trigger guard assembly with serrated trigger.
Very good bore for a 1918 barrel, with strong rifling and no pitting. Blueing strong all over, light high edge wear around sides of trigger guard. Stock with faint numberings, possibly rack marks on RHS of butt. A surface dip where an attempt to remove these numbers is visible. A rifle that is likely to be a good shooter from the condition of the bore. As always with Springfields they changed hands many time within their service life and have been back to the armoury for refits and to be kept in as good state as possible, in case of further requirement.
Stock No’ F 961
£ 1800. Sold
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