I found a 1918 Springfield m1903 Mark I for a reasonable price and for whatever reason it was calling out my name. I had looked over a couple of German mausers and another Springfield but this particular one really wanted to come home with me. I’m still learning about the 1903’s, so hopefully I didn’t do too bad with this one. It’s not a 100% Mark I but I wasn’t looking for a full on collector grade rifle either, I want one that can be a good shooter and I think this one will fit that bill.
![Image](http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee381/sszudzik/Firearms/1918%20Springfield%201903%20Mark%20I/_MG_9424.jpg)
This particular rifle appears to be one of the Greek rifles that came back around a decade ago. This is based on three key features. The first is the last four digits of the serial number being etched on the flat of the bolt handle.
![Image](http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee381/sszudzik/Firearms/1918%20Springfield%201903%20Mark%20I/_MG_9417.jpg)
The second “Greek” feature is the “B” stamp on the floor plate and the fact that the floor plate is apparently pinned shut. I frustrated myself for longer than I should have trying to open it before I did the research that told me it wouldn’t happen.
![Image](http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee381/sszudzik/Firearms/1918%20Springfield%201903%20Mark%20I/_MG_9411.jpg)
The final “Greek” feature is the fact that the last four digits of the serial number are stamped into the stock.
![Image](http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee381/sszudzik/Firearms/1918%20Springfield%201903%20Mark%20I/_MG_9410.jpg)
As you can tell from the stock, it is not the original stock that the 1903 Mark I would have been found in when it was first manufactured. It’s currently wearing a 1903A3 “scant” stock and some of the internals also appear to be Remington replacements.
![Image](http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee381/sszudzik/Firearms/1918%20Springfield%201903%20Mark%20I/_MG_9419.jpg)
![Image](http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee381/sszudzik/Firearms/1918%20Springfield%201903%20Mark%20I/_MG_9421.jpg)
The stock has an “S” stamped on under the magazine cutoff switch. There is also a “C” and the number “1” on the underside of the stock.
![Image](http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee381/sszudzik/Firearms/1918%20Springfield%201903%20Mark%20I/_MG_9412.jpg)
The rear sight appears to be an m1905 Type 2 drift sight. It’s going to take a little bit to get used to this one after having spent the past year really only shooting the Mosins. I did reasonably well with it at the range today, both at 50 and 100 yards.
![Image](http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee381/sszudzik/Firearms/1918%20Springfield%201903%20Mark%20I/_MG_9415.jpg)
The 1903 Mark I was manufactured between 1918 and 1920 specifically for use with the Pederson device. As you can see in the photo below, there was a cutout in the receiver to allow the spent casings to be ejected. Now if only I could find one of those Pederson devices!
![Image](http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee381/sszudzik/Firearms/1918%20Springfield%201903%20Mark%20I/_MG_9401-2.jpg)
The first Mark I started with serial number 1,034,503. So that would make mine #6080 off the production line, assuming sequential numbers.
![Image](http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee381/sszudzik/Firearms/1918%20Springfield%201903%20Mark%20I/temporary-23.jpg)
Took a little bit to get her sighted in and she does shoot high even using the lowest possible setting with the peep. I was able to get a couple of decent groupings out at 100 yards though. Of course my friend kept popping my target with his AR as well..
![Image](http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee381/sszudzik/temporary-19.jpg)
I think I'm going to be real happy with this one. Has a lot of potential and once my Greek ammo arrives from the CMP, i'll be able to spend some more time with her.