History of WWI Primer 064: U.S. Springfield 1903 Documentary

[@MH-jt3lx]

The US rifle 1917 was my only hunting rifle for deer and other big game animals. I bought mine in 1984 at the age of 13 at a flee market in Gallipolis Ohio with my dad helping me look it over and being the one to hand over all the money I had in the world I earned cutting grass ,splitting wood by hand, and other jobs. The rifle cost me $75 and had a nice shiny barrel in it. Dad said keep it clean and lightly oiled and it will last you until you no longer can hunt. It’s on my wall now and will go to my grand son soon. The man that sold me the gun had bought it and used it himself from 1952. It’s still in very good condition looking like the day I got my favorite gun ever.

[@ClaudioBenassi]

I thought he p17 was the best rifle of ww1. However the cock on close action ruins it, imho. I think the m1903 is thus the best.

[@Gotobar]

@@ClaudioBenassi How does the cock on close effect anything adversely? If its for aesthetics, that's a pretty silly reason to choose another rifle that has a little bit poorer performance all things considered. Both are excellent rifles, I'm just confused as to your reasoning

[@marckcarbonelloifveteran410]

@@ClaudioBenassi The 1917 has a better receiver and a very strong action, I own one.

[@ClaudioBenassi]

@@marckcarbonelloifveteran410 yes it does. It’s a battle rifle, more than a target rifle.

[@marckcarbonelloifveteran410]

@@ClaudioBenassi A great rifle without a doubt.

[@GC_Rallo]

"we're not the History channel." That's a good thing, if you were the History channel, every episode would just be abunch of nonsense about aliens, pawn shops, truckin', and fuckin storage container auctions.

[@Rhythmicons]

don't forget about sword forgin'.

[@TheSulross]

that wasn't John Browning that introduced all those innovations - it was aliens!

[@KNiteshft]

Do you remember when the History Channel was about history? Now its about pawn shops and goof balls climbing around barns and warehouses digging around for junk no I mean collectables. I really enjoy this channel . YEHAA from East Ky

[@thurin84]

hey! pawn stars and american pickers are better than swampy people and icy truckers!!!!

[@grungar3x7]

milcoll73 ...Kinda like rabies is better than tetanus?

[@thurin84]

nnnaaaahhhhh more like soup is better than starving.

[@sharkfinbite]

@KNiteshft I remember it and I also remember reading online youtube comments of the old episodes of The Tale of the Gun. There was a whole lot of typical negative American bashing comments about how the U.S. never talks about other nation's guns. (This was during the 2008-2010 era. When the internet was way more negative, racist, and filled with nuts) I knew for a long time the History Channel was guilty of catering to only their target audiences was and over sensationalizing stuff. The History Channel does not properly represents us. It represents batsh*t theories and the uncouth. The channel gave a bad superficial view of Americans to foreigners. It leaves an inaccurate impression of how closed minded we are. The truth is we are not that close minded or stupid. However these foreigners/Europeans don't know any better. They mostly travel and visit other European or other near by nations than ours. They can only rely on what they what they see in the superficial window they are looking through to view and understanding of what we are like here. This makes it easy for false misjudgment of how we really are from various sources referring to us. (people with strong opinions about us speaking their mind to others. Also certain Americans that behave in a way that is just deplorable, and gives us a bad impression.) Thanks to networks like the History Channel they are making the situation worse of the negative perception. Since these foreigners are just looking through the video they do not know any better. They just assume everyone thinks what the television is broadcasting here. These channels and networks simply don't bother expanding beyond the scope of anything American for some reason often. It's one of those things that we Americans are aware of but do not really have any control of. Thanks to the internet I am glad to say Americans are now making up for it by making videos of other nation's guns and finally giving them attention. The only down side is I guarantee you will STILL find foreigners accusing us of never giving themselves any attention regarding guns or fire arm development... *sigh.... It's all thanks to networks like History channel keep turning out crap enforcing the stereotype and making them forget there have been Americans already and continuing to give attention to foreign guns and development history. The history channel literally needs to be banned from airing. They have become the Pseudo History Channel for the uncouth, cancerous conspiracies, spreading misinformation about aliens, and worst of all the over sensationalized BIG FOOT! History Channel is nothing but a nuclear waste stain in our country that is spreading cancerous problems

[@dwightehowell8179]

I actually like Pickers and Pawn Stars but Ancient Aliens and such makes me want to barf.

[@johnnykeller7648]

I grew up watching "Tales of The Gun" on the history channel....your content satisfies me greatly. I love all the technical information, and the history behind these firearms R&D, and the evolution of the features....thank you guys for allowing me to completely geek out.

[@jameshealy4594]

Tales of the gun, the show that simultaneously makes you happy to see something about firearms on television, and also enrages you beyond belief as you yell at the "experts".

[@grenmoyo3968]

Those "experts" didn't know a damn thing they were talking about.

[@johnnykeller7648]

Curt Yetman I'm not an expert nor did I ever claim to be, I simply stated that one of the television shows I greatly enjoyed as a kid was "Tales of the Gun" on the History Channel, and offered my thanks for them allowing me to nerd out. I have a fascination with most mechanical things, I work on and maintain my own vehicles, and with regard to my own firearms; I do almost all of my own smithing. Having a love for something doesn't inherently make you an expert. I could devote several lifetimes to firearms design and study and still never know as much as someone like...Browning or Horus Smith. You might want to really consider the context in which a comment was made, pay close attention to the nomenclature and virbage used (that'll pretty well denote the tone of said comment, be it sarcastic or sincere), before you run around attacking people blindly on the internet. We're all here because we enjoy C&Rsenal. Have a little bit of civility, please.

[@jameshealy4594]

Hey Curt I was kidding around, I do feel like they repeated a lot of myths and made some pretty sweeping statements but I did like the show and I have a continuing fascination with history (hence why I don't watch the history channel any more). I think it's a good thing to be passionate about things you enjoy but I was being a little hyperbolic with the whole "yelling" thing. Not sure what got you upset particularly?

[@TheRealZJE313]

Yes me too tales of the gun was the shit back than.but with all these mass shooting they wouldn't put nothing on like that agin

[@blakee2525]

I'm not sure why, but there was something about that side by side mauser/mosin magazine spring and follower comparison that felt incredibly satisfying to me. I hope you appreciate the incredibly specific and contrived fan base that you've built here.

[@samwhitehead6371]

Motor mouth

[@Albukhshi]

"we're not the history channel" Well, I hope not. So far you guys do more history in a video than that channel does in a season...

[@Blowfeld20k]

agreed bruvah .... sadly devolution of the History channel.

[@willydstyle]

The 1917 seems like the slightly better gun once you get into open combat, but soldiers spend a lot of time *not* in combat, and the 1903 seems like the much better gun to haul around and maneuver in trenches. I think in WWI I'd go with the 1903 as well. Good call, Mae.

[@Guhonter]

I know this is for me 3/4 of a year ago, but I just binge watched 3 episodes and I just love the pacing, tone, and setup for the history lecture I'm getting. Thank you so much to both of you, such a great chemistry there, and Othais, man you really know how to narrate, what a gift!

[@edm240b9]

Mae’s Experience with the Air Service: First Couple of Rounds: “This thing is fucking awesome.” Sixth and Seventh Round: “No biggie, the M1917 could fit two extra .30-06 rounds in it.” Tenth round: “Okay, the Lee Enfield has this same capacity, that’s fine.” 11th Round: Okay, now my shoulder is starting to ache. 15th Round: “This thing is starting to piss me off...” 19th Round: “This bruise on my shoulder is gonna last a while...” 21st round: “There’s still four more rounds, are you shitting me?!?!” 22nd Round: “Fuck this thing. Seriously.” 25th Round: “FUCKING DONE!”

[@mikesteele5729]

My grandfather was drafted for World War I and went through basic training at Ft. Meade. He said that they used the towel they were issued to cushion the blow, folded up and placed between the stock and the shoulder.

[@noth606]

@@mikesteele5729 I was in the FDF shooting overpressure ammo all day through a TaK-85, thats a modified Mosin Nagant FYI. I took my cap off and rolled that up to use as a cushion. I was a sniper, thats why the rifle and shooting all day with overpressure ammo. the TaK-85 also has no muzzle break for god knows what reason and it kicks like a mofo.

[@caringancoystopitum4224]

@@noth606 Sorry, I am not familiar with the name TaK-85. Do you mean the 7.62 Tkiv 85 Mosin Nagant variant? If yes, then yeah, that damn thing kicks like an oversized mule!

[@noth606]

@@caringancoystopitum4224 Tkiv 85 is the regular infantry designation yes, but different branches have slightly different configs and designations for the same base rifle. TaK-85 uses a Schmidt&Bender 6x42 scope instead of the Zeiss(?) on the Tkiv-85. I've spent long whole days shooting that thing, love it except for weight and recoil but you get used to it and find tricks to make living with it easier.

[@bobsradio6025]

@@noth606 - Undoubtedly the Mosin, like the '03 Springfield was made for the average man of the day, who was 5' 2". Adding a little length to the stock could take care of it. A slip on recoil pad should give it the right length without having to modify the stock.

[@larrynason8716]

I love the way Mae smiles even when she's getting the snot kicked out of her by the 30-06. 👍🤕 Excellant job girl!

[@RockIslandAuctionCompany]

An hour and a half?!?! *straps self in* My body is ready.

[@ThatGuy-a48]

Rock Island Auction Company ......

[@MaverickCulp]

Funny comment, then I saw who made it and laughed even harder!

[@shig357]

I hope the mosin episode is 3 hours. Got my racing harness, crash helmet, vodka, and 55 gal drum of cosmoline ready.

[@RockIslandAuctionCompany]

@shig357 - I notice you didn't list "clothes." Assuming that was not a mistake.

[@p03saucez]

This is the best comment I've ever seen on a C&Rsenal video. Only made better by who posted it haha.

[@robertneal4244]

I love it when Mae is shooting the Air Service Rifle and she looks down and *sigh*...there are more rounds!

[@stevemcdonald4885]

I truly felt sorry for the girl. I hate it when that happens too. I counted all 25 as hits, standing position, and @ 70 yards. She must have one VERY proud daddy.

[@johnc8910]

Looks sort of like a bolt action BAR.

[@FargoFX]

😂 She’s a lot tougher than I am, and I’ve been shooting hunting rifles for 25+ years

[@bobsradio6025]

She is a lot smarter than those jokers that just keep pulling the trigger until it just goes "click." She surely understands what it means to "be kind to your rifle."

[@everettamador9885]

A very sore shoulder

[@calvinhandley2373]

I love how Mae correctly points out that the 03 was developed of of the 93 Mauser and NOT the 98. The US had a plethora of captured 1893 rifles and carbines to study, and development of the 1903 began about the time that Germany was actually taking delivery of the first 1898 models, so the US never had the opportunity to study the 98.

[@robertmccutcheon4103]

my grandfather was a marine recon photographer in ww2. But at the battle of Iwo Jima a captain who had an under strengthened platoon pulled him from his plane and made him fight as a riflemen for several weeks until a more senior officer found out that this guy stole his recon photographer and made him give him back. But since he was just a recon photographer his issued weapon was an old 1903 Springfield and I don’t know if he was unlucky because he got an old worn out one or if the gun just sucked from day one but he had nothing but bad things to say about that gun until the day he died.

[@brandonschwertley2723]

If I were given a bolt action rifle while everyone else around me had semi automatic rifles, I would be pretty turned off by my issued weapon too. Cool anecdote from your Grandfather!

[@MarlinWilliams-ts5ul]

At the beginning of the War in the Pacific Marines were issued the 03. However it didnt take too long for most of them to be replaced by Garands.

[@robertmccutcheon4103]

@@MarlinWilliams-ts5ul also fun fact the marine corp actually had m1 garands in inventory before the was started but they did not trust the new design so they only issues them to certain support troops while front line troops got stuck with sprignfields they quickly realized there mistake and switched it around lol

[@taofledermaus]

Bless you and your Jesus-like beardness.

[@M80Ball]

TAOFLEDERMAUS there can be only one gun Jesus. Othias can be “Gun the Baptist”

[@TheAlhouk57]

Ian is Gun Jesus you heretic!

[@betaich]

Heretic there is only one Gun Jesus. Othais can be the gun pope or something.

[@TheRoach1835]

I second "Gun the Baptist."

[@natepatterson4934]

Othias: Bear-Man the Baptist.

[@stephenyoung8069]

I get obsessed with a specific gun. I will read every article, watch every video, can't get enough info. Then I find one of these videos and by the end say "Wow, I am all set. That is enough information."

[@ficklefingeroffate]

You folks, and Forgotten Weapons, are my go to for firearms history. Fantastic work!

[@daemonofdecay]

Will we ever get a comprehensive “war were declared” montage of all the guns together?

[@Allafterme]

Dee Oh Dee I second this

[@MarkiusFox]

Perhaps it'll be the finale episode.

[@MrBioniclefan1]

I hope

[@thurin84]

im waiting eagerly for "armistice were declared"!

[@daemonofdecay]

milcoll73 “war were declared - again”

[@plm2ajm]

Just finished watching my first video from your channel and I have to say that Mae, is now my hero. I can't believe that she handled those 25 rds of 30-06 and still had a smile on her face. I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@LtCmdrGordon]

This series has been holding my sanity and keeping me focused for over a year now, thank you!

[@jamescameron2490]

The full pistol grip and straight comb on the 1903A1 stock corrects all Mae's criticisms of the straight 1903 stock. It makes it a whole different rifle.

[@freddieellis8449]

As a Brit, I must of course be an Enfield fanboy but DAMN, the 03 is a freakin’ gorgeous piece!

[@nancykuebler7847]

And I think the Enfield is beautiful and a neat bit of engineering, even though I own two Springfields. And my name isn't Nancy.

[@philipkinscherf7430]

As an American and Springfield fanboy, that M1917 is DAMN nice

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Come on over! When you are in need of a break from your Lee-Enfield SMLE, try on a Model 1903 for size... you'll be glad you did. While not as quick-firing as the Lee-Enfield, the M1903 is more accurate, and fires a harder-hitting, longer-ranged cartridge. Its OEM trigger and iron sights are also, in my opinion, superior to those on the Lee-Enfield. Of course, both are excellent rifles, albeit designed according to somewhat divergent philosophies of use.

[@mhaugen692]

I love my savage no.4mk.1 the Enfield action is sooo smooth.

[@bobsradio6025]

@@GeorgiaBoy1961 The 1917 Enfield shown in the video was based on the 1914 Enfield, NOT the SMLE. There is a BIG DIFFERENCE.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Damn you... I'm half way around the world with limited bandwidth and now I can't watch this...... (Holds outstretched arms to the sky, while on his knees)....... NOOOO!

[@WasatchGarandMan]

I now expect an Episode from you about thr M1903 at some random point in the future out of nowhere. I love your stuff

[@dunxy]

Give me a postal address and i send you a hand drawn story board of the episode,cant guarantee it will look better than something a 5 year old could do, but im willing to put the effort in regardless, because thanks ;)

[@Saberjet1950]

stand up, you'll get better signal

[@brickproduction1815]

britishmuzzleloaders he is in Afghanistan

[@danielhyson6079]

I feel so bad for. D:

[@davidschmidt6013]

First time I've seen your channel. Well done! I have, in storage at a friend's home in my home state of PA, (I've been living in Thailand for the past 20 years) an original 1903 Springfield, made at the Springfield plant, serial number in the 880k range, meaning it was made AFTER the introduction of the double-heat-treating process. I hope I live long enough to make another trip home so I can sell it, as I have no son to leave it to. It was carried through the German campaign by my stepfather, who retired as a CSM. He brought home 3, and gave this one to me for my 16th birthday (I'm 64). I totally stripped it once, and gave it a 'surgical' level cleaning, and re-linseeded the stock. Action is tighter than a bank-vault, (carried a lot, shot a little) and yet slick as wet ice. It even still has the cylindrical cleaning kit in the stock. If I can make it home, I hope I can find someone to give me an honest appraisal of it's value. Great vid, thanks for sharing!

[@banjocantrell838]

I am extremely appreciative of all your history lessons. Ir educates all of us when our ears are used instead of mouths. Thank you one and all at C&Rsenal

[@joesmith3501]

Great great great video. My Uncle Lonnie Preston Smith (flatland hillbilly from eastern NC) went off to WW1 in 1917. I have the star flag his mama hung in her window until he came back. He brought back a Luger that I remember seeing at 5 yrs old after some lowlife used dynamite to blow up his safe while he was at church. The Luger was under his bed and the lowlife missed it. When my daddy and I went to see uncle Lonnie after the burglary, he had it on his bed and I’ll never forget seeing it. He gave the Luger (actually his wife Aunt Mary gave it to her nephew where it was stolen in another burglary in CharlotteNC) and it’s now lost to history. I’m certain he carried the 1903 while he was in Europe and I SO SO appreciate the history of this iconic gun. He is credited with living through the battle of Verdun and I’m honored to be related to such an iconic man. Thanks so much for the video. I have his Platoon photo of him before he was shipped out to Europe in my bedroom and it’s one of my most treasured items.

[@sharkfinbite]

Happy Thanks giving C&Rsenal team!

[@jmfa57]

I'm late to this comment thread, but I want to thank you for an excellent video on my all time favorite rifle. If a geezer might offer some unsolicited advice to the younger folks, however, may I respectfully suggest that whenever you are shooting a rifle in the 30 caliber class and above, regardless if you are a rather slightly built person or a more husky person, it is wise to wear a recoil shield on the shoulder to prevent not only a flinch, not only bruised shoulders, but actual physical harm to one's soft body tissues. It's not about being tough, it's about the limits of human body parts. When I was a younger man, an old gunsmith clued me in on this and sold me a strap on shoulder recoil shield made by PAST. These are still available in a variety of thicknesses, and they make a HUGE difference. He told me that he'd suffered a torn rotator cuff in years past just from shooting .270 to .30-06 class rifles. I've yet to see a recoil pad on a rifle or shotgun that equals the performance of a shoulder-worn recoil shield in reducing felt recoil, slowing the impact, and spreading the force over a larger area on the body. They are unobtrusive and quite comfortable to wear. There, I did my old geezer duty for the day. Carry on! :)

[@teriziert]

Lost my 03 sweetheart to financial troubles about 10 years ago. Miss her and think about her often !

[@cseivard]

Amongst the items left behind by my Gand parents,was a 1903 Springfield training rifle. It was acquired somehow ,while the family was in the AirForce,stationed in New Mexico,by my grandfather,and accurate,in every detail. I played with it as a child,but it disappeared when everything was auctioned (including two daisy BB guns,!)the memory of that rifle haunts me to this day. It was almost hard to watch! Ahhh, memories.....

[@starfleethastanks]

So is the Air Service going to be sold through RIA and end up in a Gun Jesus video?

[@rogerbyrd9800]

I don't know why I have not seen this channel before... I watch a lot of gun programs on youtube. And this is wonderful... I am into classic firearms.. you are now my best classic firearms channel.m Thank you

[@genericpersonx333]

49:50 I can understand the lack of interest in using pyrometers in the early 1900s. In simple terms, the art of determining temperature of steel by its color was an old one and not very difficult to master. Clearly the issue rested with poor training and oversight of the forge crews. Also, pyrometers were fairly new and complicated technology that added great expense to a forge, so many didn't bother since men who could give you accurate measures by eye were still plentiful. That said, it was definitely a good move to use pyrometers because they were much more precise and made it much simpler to finely tune the new steel compositions being sought.

[@randymagnum143]

And Windows in the shop on sunny days. And also the 03 handles gas excursions quite poorly.

[@seang5284]

I did not know this

[@jacksonthompson7099]

@@randymagnum143 That would be fixed with the addition of the Bordon hole AKA the hatcher hole cause the factory original gas escape hole was to small for a case head rupture. Eventually the Bordon/Hatcher hole became a factory addition to the 1903 along with enlarging the 1903 bolt gas escape hole.

[@kibbeystovall7546]

I had thought the reason the 1903 was chosen to be the Army's and Marine's standard rifle after the war, even though the M1917 was available in greater numbers, was primarily to utilize the considerable investment in Springfield Arsenal's ability to build and repair the 1903. This would include providing a limited number of peacetime jobs for those arsenal workers to remain expert in the build and repair of the 1903. In simplest terms, choosing the 1903 meant that Springfield arsenal's investment in tools and training could be utilized during peacetime, rather than having to re-tool and retrain for the M1917. Economically, it was clearly the right thing to do to keep costs low and maintain at least a small cadre of highly experienced gun builders during the low-budget inter-war years. As an aside, it was this interwar small cadre of highly skilled 1903 builders which created the myth (yes, it's a myth) that the 1903 is some kind of high precision weapon. The well matched and hand-fitted parts that they selected to turn a standard 1903 into a National Match rifle are responsible for the legend of the1903's accuracy. The standard rack-grade rifle wasn't significantly better than any other nation's battle rifle (most typically shooting 4-8 minutes of angle).

[@SuperMegaCyrus]

Someone wake me when Mae gets done firing off the rest of that 25 round magazine. Taking fooorever. Geez. Top work as always Othais, Mae and crew.

[@robertbenson136]

Ya it took her 2 whole minutes.

[@nbadhorse]

I've waited a long time for this episode. It was well worth the wait. Very nice indeed. Thanks!

[@arisukak]

I am glad that you correctly said that the problem was in **forging** and not just the heat treatment, BUT there was nothing wrong with the heat treatment. Heat treatment and forging are totally different things. Unfortunately you and Hatcher both kinda used the terms interchangeably. Forging is one of the first things done to make the action, while heat treatment was one of the last things done, well after it was machined. Now they did change the heat treatment from case hardening to annealing and something else and the later method was much more precise than the earlier case hardening, but it wasn't at fault at all. You also neglected to talk about the soldiers greasing the bullets to prevent the jacket fouling or even mention the jacket fouling of the barrels, but I can understand for brevity sake.

[@Candrsenal]

Books I have pointed out uneven heat treatment in addition to forging and that improved treatment was introduced with pyrometers.

[@arisukak]

The "burnt" receivers that were brittle was because of too hot forging temperature. As uneven and precise the case hardening was, it wasn't at fault. No amount of heat treating can fix "burnt" metal! I honestly think Springfield was changing things and seeing what sticks and since the new method was better they kept using it. Also of note is that Hatcher's Notebook has a quote from the *ammunition* arsenal (that made the ammo in the gun that blew up) stating they think the gun had improper heat treating. It's strange he quoted them and not one that actually knew the gun and the manufacturing of guns.

[@TXGRunner]

Hatcher specifically mentions his recommendation to hire metallurgists (which they did) to determine causal factors and appropriate remedies. Hatcher even lists the specific make-up of the metals, and then the exact processes used. Like all accidents/tragedies/failures, there were many causal factors. Hatcher identifies every failed receiver up to 1929 including the summary report for each incident. Every single failure included some sort of bore obstruction or other bore fouling that contributed to failure. Several incident reports blame the ammunition. Most reports argue strongly the receiver was made improperly. They were both right because both factors had to be present to result in the failure. I am confidant the metallurgists recommended many changes to the various processes to fix numerous issues. As detailed as Hatcher's Notebook is, I am also sure some of the changes never made it into his book. Hatcher, Brophy, and others all specifically mention heat treatment, as described after forging, as a process that needed to be corrected in relation to brittle receivers.

[@brandonbentley8532]

Over 900,000 serial number you will be fine. Few or no early dangerous rifles are still in circulation, unless you've had it for a long time. Do not shoot the early production, they are wall hangers only. I saw one blow up when I was a teen...luckily the shooter wasn't severely hurt but that was a chance miracle really. The explosion wasn't due to fowling, the action shattered!

[@Roflcopter4b]

@@brandonbentley8532 Any early serial numbered guns that were faulty would have blown up by now. The remaining ones can't be faulty.

[@Sedan57Chevy]

A FLAMING BAYONET. On a 100+ year old rifle that only holds 5 rounds??!?!?!?! The "Possible Modifications" are now endless, even for that old hunting rifle in you grandfather's garage. Nobody is safe. /s

[@richardgoode5314]

A weapon in any as a use to a country.

[@wastedangelematis]

Battlefield 1 material :)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Finally,............ Grand, just grand. Now, I have to go and towel off after bathing in such C&Rsenal magnificence....

[@Candrsenal]

gross

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Too much?

[@alexgman1988]

Never too much

[@ricciisreal5773]

No, the M1 Gar-und is in the next war.

[@ghostface1529]

@@ricciisreal5773 it's gu-rand get it right

[@TeamDNFracing]

Don't know if you'll ever read this, but in 1974 I purchased a Springfield model 1903 that had been equipped with a sportsman stock for hunting for the sum of $105.00. The barrel had been cut down and the work done on it was top notch. I used this rifle to hunt with from 1974 in Wyoming until I finally moved from the States to Thailand as I retired in 2013, That's 40 years as my hunting rifle in the coldest of cold in Wyoming to the hottest of hot in Oklahoma. My son now has my 06 as I am not allowed a weapon in Thailand. Not once did that rifle ever fail me, best gun I have ever owned and I've owned more than twenty guns in my life. I really liked your video on the gun, I'm still thinking this is one of the finest guns ever built.....

[@cannonfodder4376]

54:28 "Places rifle on table" *Clunk* "Oh um" That just had me chuckling. And Mae just getting worn down from shooting the Air Service. Damn. Great episode as always.

[@boydgrandy5769]

Mae. Wear a jacket when you shoot shoulder arms. You have small hands (sorry, but these were built on the scale of an average man's hands), so stock weld and placement into the shoulder pocket is harder for you than it needs to be. Wearing a jacket or heavier garment is going to help you deal with recoil better. Having said that, kudos to you for shooting that air service version without actually wincing from the recoil beating.

[@calvinhandley2373]

Mae, not exactly WWI, but in the 1920's Springfield developed the "Type "C" stock, giving you the pistol grip on a 1903

[@gamboolman]

Love your attention to "nauseating" detail ! 🤩 Thanks

[@amateurshooter927]

Admit it Mae, you didn't even bother looking down the sights after 15 rounds of the Air Service Rifle...

[@jz8805]

25 X 30.06.........Ow.

[@luispacheco2230]

The best explanation of the Springfield 1903 I've ever experienced.

[@101stsurvivor]

Forgotten weapons did a video on the rod bayonet 1903 if anyone really wanted to see one up close :)

[@planescaped]

Ah, it does no damage but it also will snap and potentially break your gun too! What a great idea! Othias gave a defense for the bayonet, but it still wasn't enough of one if you ask me., XD They might as well not have a bayonet for how worthless the rod bayonet was.

[@georgewhitworth9742]

@@planescaped Right, but I think his defense was more for the thinking at the time and not the actual product. Cause if the bayonet is pretty much useless and not being used tbat much, it does kinda make sense to make it more multi-purpose. But of course, the Rod bayonet was not great at much of anything, let alone being a bayonet. But at the same time was really wasn't meant to be a superb one either. An attempt at "jack of all trades master of none" kind of deal. Just simply didn't work out.

[@Ntmoffi]

This is a Long Boi of an episode and I love it. If you guys could post in the AM that would help out my day a lot more.

[@chaddfry5345]

Awesome video! The production quality is excellent, and your knowledge is incredible. Thank you for sharing with us all.

[@j.d.schultzsr.9215]

I carried one of these in navy boot camp.. It had no firing pin and the barrel was stuffed with camdy wrappers, probably from some kid during one of the World Wars. It was just fine for standing watches, PE workouts, and marching with near-frozen hands.

[@Z09SS]

Good work, alienating the time machine owner demographic.

[@jean-lucpicard5510]

?

[@lentlemenproductions770]

Jean-Luc Picard ?

[@bruceevans56]

Good shooting, Mae. Thanks for hanging in there.

[@Robespierres_Ghost]

Love these detailed historical firearm videos. Cant wait until WW2 firearms start being covered. 👍

[@danielcurtis1434]

I love that mild but powerful smile of satisfaction Mae has whenever finishes up shooting. I wish I got to shoot so many different guns!!!! Sooo jealous!!!!

[@123nicefellow123]

Now Mae, that was one of the MADDEST minutes ever!

[@thomask6307]

Wow! ,,, 1hour and a half of 03 greatness,, NICE.

[@GeneralJackRipper]

I fully admit the 1917 is the superior rifle, but if I was at a gun shop, and both rifles were on the shelf, I'm going home with the 1903.

[@samiam619]

Christopher Maillet I have both and agree!

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Whether the M1917 is superior to the M1903 is entirely dependent upon one's preferences. I'll take the M1903 all day, every day, over the M1917, thanks to its lesser weight, slightly shorter (and therefore handier) overall length, superior sights and trigger, superior ergonomics, and demonstrated accuracy. The M1917 is a fine rifle, but the M1903 is better.

[@JackOSUrulz]

I bought both lol. But, I am more fond of my 1917. Maybe it’s because it’s more accurate than my particular 1903, I dont know. I know that at 100 yards, my 1917 hits POA. My 1903 shoots about a foot right. Never have been able to figure out why. I’m guessing the barrel was tweaked at some point, or perhaps there’s just enough pitting or wear internally in the barrel causing it to do that. But my 1917 barrel is about the same condition, and it shoots beautifully. Some 1 inch groups at 100, other times about 1.5. Which is pretty damned good for a 100 year old gun, it’s dated September of 1918, just two months before the war ended.

[@derekbrogan4241]

@@JackOSUrulz the standard 03 has a ton of windage adjustment

[@JackOSUrulz]

derek Brogan really?? I have never had anyone tell me that...that’s awesome if that’s the case. Would love to take mine out and dial it in and see how it does. Because it’s a beautiful example of a Remington 1903 (just 1903, rear sight is forward of the receiver), I just was unable to get it dialed in without my rear leaf twisted all the hell the way to the left lol. Well, pretty far left, more so than I thought it should be. Perhaps this weekend I’ll take it out to the back 20 and see how it runs against my m1917 again.

[@andrewczuba498]

'WAR WERE DECLARED!' excellant presentation. thank you so much!

[@desroin]

I always love it when you say that Mausers are smooth while a certain british guy doesn't seem to get tired to tell us how rough Mauser rifle actions are

[@derekbrogan4241]

*tilts barrel down .1 degree* *Cant load stripper clip*

[@ottomeyer6928]

He is just a Brit

[@blueduck9409]

The only rough action Mausers i came across were the ones made in Spain. All the others made in Europe were mighty fine.

[@kennethconnors5316]

Always enjoy your easy to understand explanations

[@USNVA11]

I own three 1903 Springfield’s including a Mk1. The 1903 rifle is a joy to take to the range and a real tack driver. I’m torn between the 1903 Springfield and my M1 Garands as far as which ones I like most. I do like the “ting” that the Garand makes when it ejects the inblock clip ! 😉 Great video btw ! 😁

[@davegeisler7802]

Hard to beat that Mauser 93 design that we copied.

[@frankdavidson9675]

that ting got many of the enemy killed the germans knew what that sound was the american was having to reload so they would charge forward only to be shot the gis had several emptys so they would throw one against a rock to make that sound but he still had rounds in in his rifle to shoot

[@sekayegaudet131]

@@frankdavidson9675 this is a wildly repeated myth, I do believe forgotten weapons has a whole video on it.

[@frankdavidson9675]

@@sekayegaudet131 its not a myth it happened i was a teen ager when this war ended there was talk about then we had news reels in theaters that told about itwas not a daily issue but it did happen the mi is not forgotten wapon i used one in korean war 52 55 187 airborne

[@gizmosgadgets4146]

@@frankdavidson9675 It’s a myth. Even Bloke on the Range tested it, there’s no way in hell you can hear that ping in the heat of battle. Even not in the heat on battle, if your 25 yards away (very, very close and personal) you still can barely hear it. How about you go shoot a few rounds without Earpro through a k98, then have a buddy toss a garand clip 25 yards away from you and see how well you can hear it lol. It’s a myth

[@murraykriner9425]

I'm nearly 62, and knew my great grandfather as a child. That man had been through the Great War as a Volunteer, not a conscripted person. Since many have some glorious ideas of how romantic that conflict has been painted by many, Jack would only hang his head, and clearly weep for some untold reason. If you really study the tactics taught by most military camps, the rifles, pistols, machine guns and artillery played a minor role, since close quarters combat was the ultimate mechanism for conquest of the enemy, be that a bayonet, the trenching shovel, or whatever ancus instrument you might find in your hand. Arm's did play a role in covering unit charge tactics, but it was brute force and troop reinforcements coupled with speedy communications by couriers that saved real estate. All elements had their role, but there was hardly best once the Mustard Has cleared, and you stood face to face with a man that you were expected to kill instantly.

[@Kevin-eu4iw]

The expression on Mae's face about halfway through that mag was priceless !! LMAO !!!

[@bigthunder2860]

Your right about this rifle and with a history of all the people that had crazy ideas about building a military rifle

[@Mildcat743]

The Mae's opinions segments are getting progressively more disjointed. Magnificent.

[@LadyAnuB]

You got pyrometer pronunciation correct. As a materials science major, heat treatment of metals is a major topic and KZbin has made showing the results of the various treatments and regimens of treatments a great tool.

[@Hemimike426]

Haven't seen more than the first 10 minutes. Time to play the US Rifle history game. Drink whenever Crozier.

[@stevenfraleigh2699]

U dead?

[@Tomartyr]

Drink whenever Ordnance Board politics hampers the adoption of a weapon.

[@lefr33man]

Hemimike426 sounds like a fairly dangerous game.

[@SeraphinaPZ]

Crozier intensifies.

[@koohlwranchdoughreetoes3356]

All I've got is jaegermeister. There's no way in hell I'm playing this game.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@ C&R Arsenal - The seemingly ridiculous range gradations on the M1905 sights reflect the belief (circa 1900) volley fire by a section of men was useful as an area denial weapon. In other words, no one really believed that any marksman with the unaided eye could accurately and consistently engage a point target such as a single enemy soldier at ranges in excess of 1,000 yards. Rather, the ladder sight was designed to engage larger targets at extreme range, such as enemy troop formations, vehicles, mounted troops, etc. The section leader, the NCO or officer, would call out the range, the men would set their sights and then upon command, could fire in unison against the target while the leader observed the fall of shot with field glasses and made corrections. That was the general idea, anyway. This role was largely superseded by crew-served weapons such as machine guns and fast-firing artillery and mortars by the time of WWI (1914-1918), but the extreme long-range sights remained on many bolt-action rifle designs of that era.

[@Dv087]

New subscriber. Great info and history of many rifles in my collection. Looking forward to seeing all the videos in your playlist and new content.

[@mayygallangsetu4031]

Happyier promild hi stoples ambisi account geografis god buy oke

[@Sophocles13]

I live in Springfield about 2 miles from Springfield Armory. I went to College at STCC which is on the Armory grounds. I wish Springfield was still the mecca for precision machining that it was back in the day. Im still proud that my city produced these lovely beauties :)

[@MarlinWilliams-ts5ul]

GB aircraft and Indian motorcycles, and the very first automobiles ... all from Springfield.

[@mrsmith5457]

Germany 'OK you can copy my homework but just change it a little'

[@pic7062]

Mr Smith. But Germans copied Maxim Machine gun. So call it even??

[@hishok3332]

Pi C maxim is UK not U.S

[@abraham8310]

Maxim was an American man.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

The Springfield M1903 is an improved version of the justly-famous Mauser Brothers design. The 7.92 (8mm) Mauser, which is ~ .32-caliber, is an excellent cartridge, but not especially slick in aerodynamic terms in comparison to the sleeker, flatter-shooting 30-06. The rear leaf sights on the M1903 are state-of-the-art for the time, and clearly superior to those on the Mauser, as is the trigger on the M1903 in comparison to the M98. The location of the bolt handle is also more-ergonomic on the M1903, albeit not quite as easy to reach as on an Enfield SMLE .303 bolt-action. The Springfield M1903 earned its reputation as one of the finest military bolt-actions of all time, and as a superb competition and hunting weapon as well. In 1921, a grandfatherly figure named George Farr walked on to the 1,000 yard matches at Camp Perry on the last day, late in the afternoon. Farr, a civilian in his sixties, grabbed a stock, unmodified Springfield M1903 (one he'd never used before) off the rack, and using factory ammunition purchased at the event, proceeded to fire seventy-one straight bull's-eyes at 1,000 yards (including his second of two sighters allowed) before falling darkness ended his epic string. That, my friend, is accurate! Today, a trophy bearing Farr's name is awarded every year at Camp Perry.

[@jackandersen1262]

Pi C the Germans purchased and licensed production of the Maxim, didn’t actually copy it.

[@BigJess1951]

I owned a 1917 Enfield Edystone, it was one of the most accurate rifles I've ever owned. My second favorite rifle was the '93 7mm Mauser which I was hitting my targets at 500 yards with open sights. Happy to have seen both weapons on your channel. I wish I could get ahold of both weapons again as my ex-wife sold them both.

[@betaich]

Hey Othais, quick question: When you are done with WW1, will you do a sort of ranking episode with Mae, were she ranks the rifles and handguns?

[@nathanblackwell3359]

Great info. Love that you're not just talking about a rifle but the history leading up to it. Mae I think I awesome.

[@lorettacaputo6997]

I feel like I am attending the College of Firearms with this presentation. I love it. Loved the story about the Air Service Rifle. Mae's shoulder must have been a nice shade of blue the following day.

[@PaulVerhoeven2]

Pics or didn't happen.

[@capsitan]

Best 1903 documentary I have seen hands-down. Just picked up a new subscriber

[@WardenWolf]

The 1903 was a superb bolt action rifle. The action was far smoother than the Mauser 98 it was based on, and it was well-balanced and accurate. I have examples of both in my collection and there really in no question that the 1903 is the better rifle. The magazine cutoff actually has some practical use, as it allows you to drill with the rifle in dry fire without the magazine stopping you, and it allows you to load a single specialty cartridge should you so desire.

[@blueduck9409]

In my experience, the 1903 Springfield, and the Mauser k98k both had very smooth actions, so smooth and similar infact, that i could not really tell any difference. My guess is, it would depend on the rifles, and what kind of shape they are in. In my experience, both were in very good condition, and both shot very good.

[@guaporeturns9472]

03 was based on the 96

[@07leblond]

Without words, Love the music when May Shoots and her review. This is great.

[@mauser-wl3uu]

The implementation of the swept back bolt was actually to make it easier on unit armorers to distinguish between single heat treated bolts (early) and double heat treated bolts (late). All swept back were bolts hardened with improved method. It was done as a quick and universal way to tell that these rifles received the updated bolt.

[@samiam619]

mauser1908 If true, wouldn’t it be easier to just mark the double heat treated ones?

[@mauser-wl3uu]

Not really, all post 1918 bolts and many late 1918 produced by SA will be swept back. They will be marked to differentiate but It's simply easier to tell a good bolt if it's physically different vs looking for a marking for the steel lot which the end user/maintainer wouldn't understand. The J5 steel lot code marked on the safety lug is argued to be the first lot of nickel steel, which received the double hear treatment by SA. RI kept the early bolt shape until they halted production in 1919 even though they updated their treatment methods. This marking can be found on 1918 dated straight bolts, however it hasn't been proven that those bolts are in fact updated, just a theory based off J5 swept back examples from the same year.

[@Greg41982]

That Krag episode was WAYYY too Epic to watch again!

[@spencerhanni6984]

I need to get an original 1903. I love my A3 but the original 1903 looks so damn good!

[@Johnny-jr2lq]

Spencer Hanni dam I was gonna say want to trade but no I just can’t do it I truly love my 1903 but with that being said this video just cost me probably $1800 cause now with out a doubt I have to have a 1903a3 and a 1917 wow now how am I supposed to afford a M1 carbine and a Grand oh geez I hate this addiction

[@draconus15]

My 03a3 i enjoy more than my Grande it truly is a fun gun to play with

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Keep your M1903A3 if you can, but by all means get a Model 1903 or 1903A1 as well. They are legendary rifles for a reason.The M1905 rear sights alone are worth the price of admission. They are somewhat complex to learn, but once you master them, they are capable of great accuracy and performance in the field. Combat, target or hunting - your M1903 can do it all!

[@frankdoss6313]

Thank you for the complete review of the rifle I used as a leaded-barrel drill team competition rifle. You and May left me longing for one, again. BTW, May. You are great!

[@sharkfinbite]

Bayonets are one of those items that people always assume it is obsolete, even during the time when it was invented for matchlocks or muskets (I can't remember which.). The truth is it is NEVER obsolete. We still teach it today and have it for a reason. It's because in war you will experience situations proving it is STILL necessary to have. Example: When you are given a saber as a alternative and you charge over no man's land into an opponent's trench or position, you realize the downside. By the time you are about to enter the opponent established position, like a trench, you're very likely to already used up all 5 shots of the clip you loaded after, let's say, 15 clips you used in the process of moving up. When you make it over the obstacles and hop down into the trench you're out and now have guys all around you. Within that one second you have to lift up your saber from its sheath. That is enough time putting you in a vulnerable spot for someone or "someones" to do something to you. When you have a bayonet loaded on you don't have to waste fiddling to get your sword. There's also a tactic where a group of soldiers invading have to thrust/stab an opponent with your bayonet as they hop in the trench. Doing this actually can free up time for fellas behind you or in the group to reload, while addressing the problem of avoiding the goofy brief pause to reach for your saber or other melee weapon to engage in the c.q.b. melee fighting. Basically, the bayonet is how you solve the issue of the brief vulnerable one second where you must reach for a lethal melee object when entering an area. (Rock, stick, knife, shovel, and etc. near by) You don't realize how much a bayonet is important to have until you actually engage in war in scenarios displaying the evidence of how it remains not obsolete.

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

I’m guessing that you also think that bolt action rifles aren’t obsolete.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@ C&R Arsenal - Thank you for a very thorough and well-done presentation! Entertaining and informative, too....

[@MilsurpMikeChannel]

M1917 any day over the M1903. Better sight, better size, love how it is better balanced. Better overall rifle. Mae's reaction to cutting down the M1917... she is the perfect woman. Sporterizing is the devil's work.

[@brandonbentley8532]

Agreed on the sporterizing of military rifles...sacrilege!

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

The M1917 is heavier, doesn't not point as well, and has trigger and sights which are inferior to those of the M1903. If sporterizing the rifle to fire a magnum cartridge is your goal, then get a M1917, otherwise get a M1903 first. It's an all-around better rifle, and one for which spare parts and service are more-available. If you have trouble deciding, get both and call it a day...

[@RedXlV]

@@GeorgiaBoy1961 The M1917's rear sight is much more practical than the overly complicated contraption on the M1903. And it's also a peep sight much closer to your eye.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@@RedXlV - Glad you prefer the sights on the M1917; I don't - I know how to use the M1905 sights on a Springfield, and they work just fine. Your characterization of the sights on the Springfield as an "overly complicated contraption" says more about you than the sights. Funny, military conscripts with very little education managed to learn them just fine back in the day. Maybe you need to raise your game... Just messin' with ya. Use what you like, no problem there.

[@RedXlV]

@@GeorgiaBoy1961 There's nothing wrong with the Springfield's sights when it comes to target shooting (aside from that miscalibration beyond 1200 yards), the issue is that for a battle rifle the M1917's sights are clearly better. Hence how when the M1903 was chosen over the M1917 as the postwar standard rifle, the intention (eventually realized 20 years later) was already to have a version with a bridge-mounted peep sight. And the majority those conscript soldiers never used an M1903. In WW1, most used an M1917. In WW2, most used an M1 Garand. Both of which have rear-mounted peep sights.

[@robertbielawski5299]

May is my hero! Ultra cool! I recently had the good fortune to obtain 3 M1 Garands with bayonets. Now I'm convinced of the historical need to obtain the 1903 and 17 inch bayonet! Love your coverage.

[@ISawABear]

53:10 A flaming bayonet, are you fucking kidding me?

[@DaveBenson]

Hatchers Notebook is required reading for 1903 background! Heat treat, overloaded cartridges, all sorts of fun experiments!

[@scottolsen8582]

Thank you! thank you! and I say again, Thank you!

[@markkilburn112]

The detail you go into is fantastic! Really beyond all other video's. Like a college class in firearms! Excellent work!

[@BrionJaeger]

This was the first smokeless powder rifle my grandfather ever shot and I have a full military version and love it. Mae if it was a choice between the Type 38 Ariska and the '03, which would you prefer to carry? And yes it's a Mauser clone which makes t among the best of the WW I rifles.

[@pakman422]

GOD!!! This channel is flippin AWEEESSSOMMEE!! Thank you guys for all you do!!! Your a huuge resource of information. - Jacob S.

[@MCG55555]

Looks like Mae is wondering why King Kong won't go down with all those rounds.

[@spingra1]

Great job as always. Always amazed at the in depth historical context

[@TechNWRO]

Othais, I see your point on the lengthy time to feed all that ammo via 5 round stripper clip. Just about the time Mae "The Destroyer" got into the third refresh, I had a SpongeBob moment and sublimely heard "5 Minutes Later"..........

[@gungho1345]

My (WWII VETERAN) grandpa's American legion post gifted him a Singer manufactured 1903. It's a gorgeous rifle. My SMLE is a Toyota where the 1903 is a corvette.

[@gpclipner]

Yeah, the heat treating has had me stymied for years. Going to the great local Culver City,Cal. gun shop with some great 03's in stock. Then seeing the warning tag saying "Not for shooting, Low Serial # !!!" and yet many of these "Low #'rd" were sporting new barrels from WW2 !!! and issued in the early days of WW2. One thing I noted were these low boys had been checked by the number of receiver prick marks for strength tests, so they passed. Must be liability warning for the shops selling.

[@ThaneaPally]

the low number guns that were reused were retested using a full clip of the black tip AP ammo of WWII. AP has a higher case pressure so they figured that would be good enough to catch any bad ones.

[@samiam619]

George Clipner Glad to see Red Star still around! Were the prices lower since they were no shootems? Didn’t think so...

[@chzzyg2698]

I can't wait to see something of a top ten favorites from the two of you at the end of this series.

[@rammuchewicz8045]

There is going to be a time when Mae's shoulder starts forecasting the weather.

[@taitonaito]

Dear Othais and Mae, I'm glad I found your channel. I'm very interested in firearms and their history. I'm a relatively new subscriber and I enjoy the content very much. As a resident of a country which doesn't allow any firearms other than shotguns or pistols for civilian possession, I very much would love to use some guns you had reviewed. And Springfield 1903 is one of them. Yes, this old WWI era bolt action rifle would be one of my favorites to use in a range. Despite I love some modern rifles better, I feel like a bolt-action rifle has this personal touch to it. Running the bolt, getting to know the sights, reloading via stripper clips/chargers/detachable magazines etc, hearing the ping of the target or seeing the paper target after the shooting... And the fact that they can be great beginner firearms makes me even more interested, my experience with firearms being with a Remington 870 and a few Berettas. I think I'll have to sigh and hold up until I manage to get to the States and find out if a 1903 would serve me well. Still, seeing your video informed me well of the history of this rifle. Thanks a bunch.