The 03 has a relatively complicated sighting setup. The ladder, when pushed up, is graduated to 2700 yards. Windage is adjusted via the knurled knobs. For close shooting, simply look through the triangle and put the thin blade front sight
where you want it to go.
A closer look at the bolt. Note the three locking lugs. The Mauser style of action isn’t the smoothest, but it is overbuilt for safety and strength.
Throughout the 03 series’ production run, the magazine cut off was retained. It is a switch that allows you to load single rounds while keeping a full magazine in reserve, just in case. It was a feature that was already redundant by
World War I.
Shooting and Impressions
The m1903 in the flesh, is something very new to me. Murpheysmuskets kindly lent a fine 1918 manufactured example, typical of those used during the Great War and into World War II. Though the gun was short with a handy 24 inch barrel, it was quite heavy at nearly nine pounds. It shoulders instinctively and the sights, though they look complicated, are easier to see and easier to use than an ordinary Mauser.
The 03 Springfield is chambered in the 30-06 cartridge, developed for this rifle, and is the most popular big game cartridge today in the States. Admittedly, this was my first time behind a 30-06 and the steel butt plate did not look friendly for the recoil shy.
It turned out to be much better than expected. The ammunition used was a 168 grain Sierra MatchKing bullet over a surplus powder charge and the shooting was done at 120 and 200 yards. Despite not having any stripper clips, the 03 loads easily with single rounds. Just open the bolt and push the rounds down into the magazine. Easy.
Flip up the rear sight and look through the triangular peep sight. Put the front sight on the target and let it go. The heavy nature of the rifle absorbed the 30-06 recoil like a charm. The bolt action was more than manageable when working the bolt and chambering the next round, though I admit it is not as smooth as Britain’s World War I contemporary, the SMLE. But the sights are far better, allowing me to predictably hit steel at 120 yards. Firing prone proved more difficult further back at 200 yards, at least for me, with an equal amount of hits to misses. After a while, the heavy 03 wants to wave around in my arms a bit so good trigger control was definitely needed. Having said that, the trigger was not too bad, though it was typical of military triggers of the day–long, predictable take-up with a smooth break.
Conclusion
Though the M1903s life as a standard issue rifle was limited, replaced by the iconic M1 Garand, championed to be the gun that won World War II. Having said that, the 03 outlasted its faster firing counterpart in its niche roles. The 03s accuracy and reliability ended up serving it well and the 03 is seen in many military target matches today. On the civilian side of things, many an 03 were converted into big game rifles. Today, it seems the 03 Springfield is getting the credit it deserves and is a hot item on the surplus market with prices from $600 on up depending on condition and variant. Though not as inexpensive as some other military surplus rifles, having come to learn what the 03 is all about, it would be worth every penny.
This article is courtesy of The Arms Guide.
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