1903 Mk1 Springfield Rifle with Pederson Cut-out……….SOLD

Good 1903 Mk1  U.S. Springfield with Pederson cut-out

 The 1903 Mark 1 Rifle was the basic 1903 bolt action rifle in .30-06 caliber, as used by the army, with a conversion which allowed it to be used with a .30 caliber modification.  This turned the simple mauser actioned 5 shot rifle into a semi-automatic weapon for uses such as trench clearing.  After its use as such it could easily be changed back into the standard rifle the army required.  The rifle was modified to take a kit known as the Pederson device which the soldier would carry on his webbing.  This rapidly increased the firepower of the simple bolt action rifle.  The majority of these devices were made towards the end of the first world war although the company carried on making them upto and including 1920, which is when this particular weapon was produced.

Of standard specification with Mauser bolt action and internal five-shot magazine.  In .30-06 caliber with a 24″ round barrel.  Overall the rifle is 43.1/4″ long.  Slim straight two bolt stock in American Black walnut with humped handguard.  Steel chequered butt-plate with trap for cleaning equipment.  Two sling swivels and a stacking swivel.  Steel nose cap with bayonet fitting and single blade front sight on a ramp.  All fittings and furniture on this weapon are milled steel as it is an early rifle, pressed parts did not come into use until the 1940’s.

The receiver is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMOURY /MODEL 1903 / MARK 1 / 1177066.”  There is a single gas escape hole on the RHS of the breech.  On viewing the weapon it is immediately obvious that there is a large oval opening milled into the wall of the action.  This was the ejection port for the spent .30 caliber cases.  The rifle does not appear to be refinished in anyway, all the metal of the weapon has the same dark mottled brown blueing which is only really showing high edge wear from normal usage.  The bolt has the standard flag saftey and is acted upon by the magazine cut-off device at the rear of the action.  The trigger guard and magazine floor plate is of the milled steel type.  Trigger smooth.

 The rear sights are graduated to 2750 yards and mounted on the lightening cut  band around the barrel.  The barrel is marked behind the front sight ramp as follows;  “S.A. / flaming bomb / 3-20″  This date of March 1920 tallies with the production data provided on the subject, as early 1920.

The stock has a clear “RA-P” cartouch which is one of the Remington rebuild inspectors marks.  It is absolutely correct that this rifle has been back to an armoury in its long life for testing and re-evaluation.  Underneath is a very faint “RLB” cartouch – a previous inspector.  The stock has built up a very smooth finish with close grain and a good patina over its entireity.  There are no major spots of damage or splits.  Behind the trigger guard is the final proof, circled “P” firing mark, but at some stage someone has tried to carve their initials into the stock which makes it difficult to read.   The rifling within the bore is good with some frosting within the grooves but no pitting.  Action mechanically fine.

An early collectible but very shootable piece which is awaiting its new keeper.

£1300.

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