Misc pics/ 1903 Springfield

[pacanis]

I got my 1903 Springfield in yesterday. This morning I swapped out the trigger with the correct one that came with it, the one that will work with the Pederson Device... if I should ever stumble into one and have an extra 50 grand in my wallet but hey, I've got the correct trigger anyway. And a spare I wiped it down, cleaned the cosmoline off the mag spring and took her out.
It shoots SWEET! I was using the peep set at 100 yds and shooting from where my bench last was, at 100 yds. What you see is exactly how it shot. One of my first three actually nicked the bull, something I was not able to replicate, but everything was right there in the 6" circle with one minor adjustment after I cut two shots at nine o'clock on the edge.
It's obviously been rearsenaled and has an 03-A3 bolt in it. It might even be in a Remington stock. I can barely see what looks like an RA stamp underneath the Ogden Arsenal stamp. It has been proofed twice. The receiver and barrel appear to be of the right date though and everything looks correct. I'm pretty happy with it and obviously happy with the way it shot right out of the box.

[Simo]

Nice rifle and love the range trip pics

[Tula Neil]

Hi pacanis.

Nice rifle, & shooting, looks like you had good weather..

[pacanis]

Thanks guys
Yes, the weather was great today. Low forties, but no wind and plenty of sun.

[desdem12]

Great shooting Pac. I think your table and range are looking super. Maybe your next venture would be to build a shack out there for to nap inbetween rifles. So is that the one from the famous guy or another one you ordered?

[martin08]

Great pick-up! Does it have the correct cut-off and spindle for a Mark-I ?

[pacanis]

hmmm, a shack... naaaw, if I build a shack out there and stuck a cot in it the next thing you know I'd have to run electric to it and then comes the TV and the beer fridge and internet and .... It's just cheaper to shoot off the back porch where I already have that stuff
Actually, that idea crossed my mind during the winter. You just reminded me of it. If I take out a couple trees I might have a clear shot to my backstop from up by the house. That could give me some nice long range shooting.

This one I just got. My 03-A3 is the one that kind of came from a famous guy.

[pacanis]

I don't know, Martin. I'd love to find out. I have a hard time deciphering that VI site. Especially the serial number and letter stampings pages.
If you'd like to post a link on what to look for I can snap some more pics or see what to look for.

I do know I'm having a hard time with the magazine. I've got the correct spring and 03 follower, but the cartridges aren't staying put all the time. They are jumping out, sometimes two at a time.

[pacanis]

OK, found a pic of a repro spindle. I'm assuming the difference is that hole or notch in it? At any rate, it can't be seen without removing the cutoff. And since the cutoff is R stamped like the bolt, my guess would be no, but you never know.

[martin08]

Here is the cut-off, slotted spindle and two piece sear.

[MN Fan]

Very nice Fred, congrats! Your range is looking fantastic. It has to considering the quality of guns you're firing at it! Very nice rifle, awesome shooting and great photos.

Well done Sir!

[pacanis]

My cutoff is not notched out like that and the spindle is not slotted, so probably replaced with 03-A3 parts like the bolt was. Your pics showed me exactly what to look for. Great pics.
I do have the correct trigger/sears though.

Thanks Cliff.

Oh, and I just changed out the mag spring with my 03-A3's spring and that fixed it right up. I thought that was weird, as the 03's spring is stretched out some and has more tension on it when compressed, but it must not be pressing up on the follower evenly. Numrich had them in stock. I'll probably have it Saturday. I really don't need to worry about it though until I find a cheap source for '06 rounds

[Junk Yard Dog]

My first '03 was also a MK1.

[Celt]

beautiful rifle!

[Junk Yard Dog]

Now all you need is the Pederson device to go with it After WW2 the Army found a complete MK1 with Pederson device in the German archives, so much for top secret security at the arsenal.

[pacanis]

That would make one nice conversion. Well worth the extra 14 lbs of carry weight for the soldier IMO.

[Tula Neil]

Is that a .30 Semi Auto conversion, why does it weigh so much, 14lbs ?
One for sale over here Mk I dated 3-20 for £1300 ouch

[pacanis]

The device, clips/magazines and ammo issued to the soldier was supposed to add another 14 lbs to their gear.

[desdem12]

No sweat. I could carry 2 of them then...all the way to the fridge for some water.

[Junk Yard Dog]

Neil, was that for the Pederson device, or the MK1 M1903? Almost all of the Pederson devices were destroyed in the 1920's, and the rifles returned to regular service. I am sure many soldiers wondered why there was a port hole cut into their rifles receiver over the years. almost 15 pounds of extra crap, and they were expected to run across no mans land with it. I would rather have had the BAR.