Extremely Rare Model 1903 WW2 Carbine…..(F 693)

Rare and interesting example of  the 1903 “Bushmaster”  Carbine from WW2 

The appearance of these carbines is a simple tale explained thus: In 1942 the US Army in Panama realised, as many other fighting armies had, that the full length rifle in service was cumbersome and not easy to use within the confines of the jungle.  It was decided that the weapons on hand would be “converted” to a shorter handier item.  The alterations were carried out in field armouries, in basic conditions therefore it is known that they carry no official markings and originality can not be verrified in the normal way.  Very few of these weapons survived the conflict as only 4,700 are recorded as being adapted and, official instructions after their use, were for them to be destroyed, by being dumped in the sea.

The process of modification was extremely simple; the barrels were shortened to 18″ and the stock and hand-guard were cut down to just beyond the barrel band retaining spring.  The front sight ramp was then reattached none of the original barrel markings were left, as on the full length weapons.  It was crudely done,  so it is almost impossible to establish if existing examples are genuine survivors or not.  In short; this is not.  It is a faithful reproduction made from original excess parts by Sword & Musket, for interests sake. The one thing the rifles lost when they were re-worked, was the bayonet lug, so it is not possible to attach said bayonet anymore.

Overall the carbine is 38.3/8″ long.  The barrel is 18″ long and the trigger pull  is 13″ to centre.  As is standard, the weapon is a normal Mauser action, 5-shot bolt action weapon with open sights chambered in .30-06 calibre.  The original ladder sight was retained which is graduated up to 2750 yards, with multiple aim points and windage adjustment.

The action is a Springfield part, within the serial number range of all recorded carbines and reads: “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMOURY / MODEL 1903 / 853417”.  The roll engraving is weak from refinishing and hard to read.  The hardwood stock is a plain WW2 “modified” Remington built, twin bolt stock with straight wrist and no finger groves.  The same being marked just behind the trigger guard with a circled “P” final proof mark.  On the LHS of the wrist is a “boxed” cartouche with the initials “W.B” within.  Stock is professionally repaired through the wrist to arrest the appearance of a hairline crack.  The  green webbing strap and muzzle cover in the main photo are extras (muzzle cover not for sale)  Twin sling mounting points and chequered butt plate with trap for cleaning equipment.

Standard Mauser type action with three position safety.  Excellent, 4-groove bore with no pitting or misting.  Weapon re-proofed in 2019 and ready for lots or fun on the range.  A rare and interesting thing of which only two are known in the UK.

Please ask for Stock No  F 693

£ 1650. 

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