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.
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.
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.
The final “Greek” feature is the fact that the last four digits of the serial number are stamped into the stock.
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.
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.
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.
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!
The first Mark I started with serial number 1,034,503. So that would make mine #6080 off the production line, assuming sequential numbers.
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..
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.
The 1903 Springfield is my all time favorite milsurp rifle, I really love these, again nice find 
