Posted on Jun 2, 2016
Springfield M1903 (Model 1903) - Development and Operational History, Performance Specifications...
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A nice article on the Springfield M1903 that proved to be such a decisive weapon in the hands of American rifleman.
Springfield M1903 (Model 1903) - Development and Operational History, Performance Specifications...
Posted from militaryfactory.com
Military History
Warfare
Rifles
WWII World War Two
American History
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
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Have an original 03 mark 1 made in the Springfirld Armory in Nov 1918. Serial number in the 900,000s so it was not one of the "bad" ones that were not heat treated properly. I bought this one from my pastor who was a machine gunner in the Army before he came to the lord and married Lt Col Oliver North's daughter.
Still shoots good groups at 100 yards with iron sights. Have not tried to do anything beyond that because my 67 year old eyes can't handle anything beyond 100 yards without a scope.
The things in pretty good shape for a nearly 100 year old rifle. I had thought about making it over as a bench rifle with upgraded barrel, bolt, stock and bedding and blue printing but $$$$ are in the way.
Still shoots good groups at 100 yards with iron sights. Have not tried to do anything beyond that because my 67 year old eyes can't handle anything beyond 100 yards without a scope.
The things in pretty good shape for a nearly 100 year old rifle. I had thought about making it over as a bench rifle with upgraded barrel, bolt, stock and bedding and blue printing but $$$$ are in the way.
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SSG Pete Fleming
Sgt Tom Cunnally - cool, thank you for sharing with me. There are a couple I would like to fire, that being one.
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Sgt Tom Cunnally
SSG Pete Fleming - The .45 Pistol was also one of my weapons along with the M-1 Garand. All Field Radio Operators had to qualify with the .45 pistol & that took a lot of hard work.
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PO3 John Jeter
Capt Gregory Prickett - While the BAR had a relatively small magazine, it was relatively light and mobile. The BAR could dump 20 rounds in a hurry and then be elsewhere by the time the Germans figured out where the fire came from. I once worked a security job with a Wermacht veteran who emigrated and became a citizen. He said the BAR was terrifying because the relatively short burst of firepower simply disintegrated almost anything it hit. That amount of firepower 'running' directly at him unnerved him to no end....... The .30 BMG was relatively stationary and so could be worked around.
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I have an '03A3 manufactured in 1942. I managed to obtain the WWI bayonet for it but otherwise it's in the full configuration for the time it was built. (For those unfamiliar with it, the WWI bayonet lacks a couple of inches of being considered a short sword. *grin*) When I first got it, the accuracy was appalling and I could not understand why it was held in such high esteem. A little closer examination showed the stock was binding in a few places and as the weapon warmed up, it pressed against the barrel. A bit of judicious sanding, a little polishing of the trigger surfaces and she has lived up to her billing ever since. I had a friends wife embroider a motto on a canvas sling I obtained for it. The Motto? "Reach out and just say Hi" She occupies a special place in the locker beside the Garand (1942 also) and the Springfield M1A.
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