Americas' Mauser the 1903 Springfield

[@bobwoods5017]

I bought a 1903A Springfield rifle. Restored it near as original from parts I found out of New York. It will hit anything out to 300 yards. More if needed. I take it out when wood cutting. We had some rounds fired near my truck and they frightened my daughter. There is no feeling like not being armed. I have not gone out unarmed since. Great rifle.

[@MilsurpMikeChannel]

The US paid a settlement of $200k to Mauser for the patent infringements on the rifle and mainly the stripper clips. The US actually seen this might be a problem early and took care of it for a relative bargain. Mauser came back later saying there was an infringement on the spitzer bullet used in the .30-06 but World War I started and the patent was seized. What was left of Mauser after World War I came back and it was ruled the patent seizure was unconstitutional. After some wrangling, the US finally paid with interest in 1928.

[@blackhorsecavalry]

Even though the US showed that they had used Spitzer bullets previous to Mauser's development, it was the actual seizure of the patent that caused the problems for Springfield and the US after the war. The US courts ruled that the seizure was illegal and awarded Mauser reparations.

[@MilsurpMikeChannel]

I just reread my post, and instead of "unconstitutional", autocorrect put unconditional for some reason. Fixed.

[@keenanwalker6597]

Milsurp Mike Channel yeah I read about this a while back it’s funny we were fighting Germany and at the same time paying them royalties for the Mauser action.

[@petesheppard1709]

Didn't the US also tinker with the bolt assembly and claim (unsuccessfully in court) that it was sufficiently different from Mauser's to not require a license?

[@Jesses001]

Yes that was interesting. If the US did not seize the patent, they most likely would not had paid in 1928.

[@aldoraine3364]

One word for the M1903: BEAUTIFUL

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

Being a wood&steel guy i realy like vids like these. Thank you very much, and greetings from the Netherlands!

[@danwilson6069]

Love the older rifles, I got from my dad 20 years ago a Winchester m1917 in 3006 which is 100 years old this year in July. It sits in my vault between my AR15, and my lever action rifle.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@ Dan Wilson: Here's some fun M1917 trivia: They're still in use in a few places here-and-there around the world, here in the 21st century. Yes, it is true. The small northern European nation of Denmark administers Greenland as a territory/protectorate, and her navy has a special-ops type unit whose job it is to patrol the vastness of Greenland's wild areas, securing them for the Danish crown. The unit is termed the Sirius Sledge Patrol, and its members are a combination of elite special-ops soldier, outdoorsman/ranger, and paramedic. Selection is very tough, and members must be able to live alone or in pairs in the wild for 2-3months at a time with nothing more than their training, equipment, weapons, supplies and their sled dog teams/sledges. The weapon they rely upon for a long gun is the M1917 bolt-action rifle in 30-06. They started using them decades ago and never stopped. Armed with armor-piercing ammo, they make good polar bear medicine. Their sidearm, I can't recall, maybe a Glock 10mm or something, but the bit about those M1917s stuck with me.

[@tomasmik1677]

I love bolt action rifles in general and my favourites always been kar98 - short version and the 1903 Springfield. The Springfield is very ergonomic, the most beautiful rifle hands down

[@nicholass8122]

Found a original Springfield 1903 at a smalltown pawn shop late last year for $279 had the US markings on the top and the wood was worn but was still in good condition they had no idea what they had

[@edm240b9]

If you like the A4, I’d bet you would LOVE the USMC WWII M1903A1 Springfields. They have 8x, free floating, Unterl scopes, and some of them were even built off of National Match grade rifles.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Hey Tim, great video... thanks for making it. As a former Marine, you must know of the legendary battles at Belleau Wood and Château Thierry in WWI, where the Marines used their iron-sighted M1903s to pick off German soldiers at ranges up to 800 yards as they advanced through the wheat fields toward American lines. They were using the same sights as you have on your M1903. They are excellent target sights, true, but they are also designed for use in combat. Specifically, if you use the battle-sight zero notch, you won't have to adjust the more-complex ladder (leaf) type sights unless you need a more-precise shot out past 500 yards. BSZ on these rifles was set at about 550 yards, give or take depending on the exact rifle. Why so far away? In the days when this rifle was designed, volley-fired rifles were still used as area denial weapons at long range, which is why the ladder sights are graduated to such extreme distances, and even normal combat engagements were contemplated as being at several hundred yards or more. Using the BSZ notch, the typical Marine or U.S. Army soldier would have been taught to judge distance and hold under the appropriate amount, if necessary, since - at 550 yards zero - the round is going to hit approximately 12-inches high at 100 yards, POA versus POI. Since most combat engagements took place at 250-300 yards or less, the user would simply have held low, perhaps at waist level, on an enemy soldier - to obtain a center-mass hit. The M1903 was legendary for being extremely accurate in the right hands; go look up George Farr and the National Matches of 1921 at Camp Perry, if you need proof. Farr, a grand-fatherly figure and civilian in his sixties, walked on as a last-day competitor at the 1,000 yard line, and using an M1903 he'd never fired before, and ammunition he purchased at the event, proceeded to score seventy-one straight bull's-eyes (including his second sighter) at 1,000 yards, before darkness forced him to quit. With iron sights!

[@scumbaggo]

Interesting stuff. I've never had to fire at a live target, but in every mil-sim game I play, I always sight my guns in to 500yd and drop my point of aim to counter that if the shot I'm taking is below that range. It's much quicker to aim down a bit instead of messing with a bunch of knobs, once you figure it out.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@@scumbaggo - A five-hundred yard zero is weird as a combat zero only if you are unused to using it. During WWI - "The Great War" - optics mounted to rifles did exist, but they were largely somewhat fragile and did not adjust predictably/reliably for elevation and windage. Therefore, snipers of that time tended to get a decent usable zero on their optic and rifle and then leave it alone as much as possible, using holdovers or hold-unders to make corrections, based on range. Herbert McBride, whose book "A Rifleman Went to War," is a classic of its kind & WWI history, speaks of this method and other accounts mention it, too. Firearms and military historians believe that such long-ranged maximum point blank ranges or battle-sight zero settings even for iron sighted rifles came about in the wake of the development of smokeless powder rifles in the late 1880s and thereafter. Which were capable of accuracy at ranges which astonished authorities accustomed to black-powder rifles being accurately and lethal only to 300 yards or so. And the toll which trained riflemen with these new weapons could inflict was seen at places like Spion Kop in South Africa, and at Santiago, Cuba, to name two - battles in the Boer Wars, and the Spanish-American War, respectively. On an iron-sighted rifle, a fairly distant BSZ confers another benefit you already mentioned: When sighting in with iron sights, especially the tangent ladder-style sights so common in those days, it is much easier to see the target when holding under than when holding over, since in the latter, your muzzle and front sight obscure the target. Thus, a 545 yard BSZ on a Springfield M1903 rifle and an engagement of 100 yards, would mean holding under about 10-12 inches from the desired point-of-impact. And so on, by distance.

[@scumbaggo]

@@GeorgiaBoy1961 awesome. I’ll be checking out A Rifleman Went to War when I return my current books to the library. Thanks for the info.

[@LuminaryCursorem]

The M1903 cost $12.60 to manufacture just the rifle at the time. The whole unit price was $14.89 in the years leading up to WW1, that also includes the sling, bayonet, and cleaning kit. By 1917 the cost increased to $23.40 due war time supply. $708.62 in today's money.

[@LuminaryCursorem]

Oh yah, Swedish M96 clips work with the '03 perfectly!

[@HaroldTheSloth]

Ask me a year ago, and I would have said that my favorite rifle was my H&R M1 Garand. After my loving wife let me buy a Remington 1903A3 last year, I would say that my M1 has a serious contender for the title. Compared to my other bolt action milsurps, it’s got an easy stripper clip feed, smooth and fast bolt action, is ultimately reliable, has good sights, and is very accurate. It is the physical manifestation of American pride of the era in my hands. The machining marks on areas of the bolt and receiver speak of the urgency of wartime production. These rifles aren’t getting any cheaper, so now is the time to buy them!

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@ joeman2551: A buddy of mine likes another friend's M1903 Springfield so much he's said to him that he wants it in his will, or in case the owner gets hit by a car or something. There's something special about those old mil-surp bolt-actions, no question about it.

[@Britishshooter]

Best video on the 1903 I have seen, thank you so much. Fascinating to think that a large part of the forces from both sides fought WW1 and WW2 with just a 5 round capacity.

[@droldsw31]

I'm a WW1 & WW11 History Buff and I Appreciate learning more knowledge. German Nazi's were Burning Books back in the 1930's. 85 + years later, You Tube want to Burn Videos.

[@Militaryarmschannel]

Fascists haven’t changed tactics in 60 years. Then they burned books, now they burn digital content. Just like the Brown Shirts before them, they want to silence the opposition and beat you up, burn your house down, and imprison you. You’re dangerous to them because you don’t agree with them. Fascists/socialist/communists all have the same MO and they’ve all killed far more people than even the plague.

[@maskmaster8898]

You're such a history buff that you wrote WWII with 1's instead of I's.

[@Frankgzz24]

@@Militaryarmschannel dont mix fascists with communists

[@nothanks3590]

youtube is a private company, morons.

[@johnvorhees443]

@@Militaryarmschannel agreed 100%

[@philhort4768]

The reason the 1st shots were high with the 03 is, the combat sight, (leaf folded down) is sighted for 547 yds(500 meters) which will make the rounds hit about 13" high at 100 yds.

[@TheGorillafoot]

I really want a bolt action rifle. Just something about the simplicity of them. Reminds me of when I learned to shoot as a kid.

[@dentaldepot]

Tikka t3x. 308 for deer and hogs and a persian mauser 8*57 IS for the range on nice days. My combo

[@bmstylee]

Doughnut Spaghetti Bergara HMR. Wicked accurate and a multitasking rifle.

[@JackOSUrulz]

HachiZenki nice. I have the Ruger m77 mkii with the bolt paddle stock in that same chambering. Made in 1993. Pretty damn nice accuracy with that little round out to short distances. Use it for the coyotes, beavers and such that warrant my attention on my land from time to time. Can't beat shooting cheap and accurate.

[@SwornHeresy]

Doughnut Spaghetti A nice CZ bolt gun or a milsurp Mauser is hard to beat.

[@andrewhendrix2297]

Yeah, bolt actions are really fun at the range. It makes you take your time, you don't use near as much ammo and you're having just as much fun, and there's something about sliding that bolt back into place and loading the next round that's unequaled. I would humbly suggest looking at the Mossberg MVP Patrol if you haven't gotten one yet and just want to plink at the range. I have one, so I can tell you It's affordable. You can get it chambered in .223/5.56 like mine (too many people seem to not know this but if you get a rifle chambered for 5.56 it'll also shoot .223) so ammo is cheap and plentiful compared to other bolt action rifles, and it's just as loud and fun at the range.

[@EchoTangoSuitcase]

The 1903 was the rifle we drilled and paraded with at the Military School I went to years ago, so naturally, when I saw one on the shelf a few years ago, I had to buy it. Gentlemen... If you have NOT had the pleasure of shooting one of these, I highly suggest you correct that oversight.

[@JackOSUrulz]

Glad to see you shooting the Krag. I have an 1899 year of manufacture Krag. My favorite milsurp to reload for, use Hornady 220 g round nose. It's surprising how well they shoot, that front sight is hard to see, it's a thin fin. Smooth as silk action as you said, easy shooting 30 caliber.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Tim absolutely loved this review of the Springfield 1903 rifle. My grandfather shot one of these when he was in the Army and when he had to do drills with it the Army gave the troops a Training replica one for marching training. My grandfather gave me that same Training rifle and i have it hanging on one of my gun rakes in my room. It's just a dummy rifle but the cool thing is he used it in the Army and he still had it and the Army let him have it when he was done with his service. The rifle is only worth 300 dollars and the sling is in great shape and worth 200 dollars. The Training replica has a plate on the butt stock and says VICTORY TRAINER 1942 P.D.C.O on it. Just thought you would find it fascinating and the Training rifle looks just like the 1903 Springfield .

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Thanks for the information Andre

[@hquiller]

Andre Krumins They are called drill rifles. I've seen recently some 1903A3 being sold for $200. New barrel, remove the weld in the magazine cut, new striker and you're good to go.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

That's cool, Thanks for the information and knowledge Andre.

[@RickNethery]

This is My new, all time favorite 1903 Springfield video. All the rifles used are beautiful examples, and the close ups, instructions and history lesson were outstanding. Thanks for posting, God Bless. 🇺🇸

[@Militaryarmschannel]

Thank you, we’re glad you enjoyed it.

[@NoName-yy4gc]

Bolt, lever, and pump action are the best, they are so simple, yet so awesome

[@spektr540hemi]

I got my first 1903 at a yard sale back in 1985 for $50.00 IIRC...Later Rock Island, safe for modern loads, with original military furniture and hardware. It does have a modern scope on it, can not remember the mount manufacturer, irons are still in place and useable, with some phosphor paint. I would not hesitate to grab it for long range work. Hunt with it now and then to this day. WONDERFUL rifle! Smooth and deadly accurate.

[@jason60chev]

Don't forget that regular civilian, 61 year old George Farr, from Washington State, fired 71 consecutive bulls-eyes with an issue M1903 Springfield and issue Frankford Arsenal M1 Ball ammo, at the 1921 National Matches.

[@williameaton9058]

He lost the match to a Marine Sgt with a scoped match rifle I believe but still got all the glory...the next year they had the tie breaker ring within the black.

[@michaelkilgore8358]

Regular civilians don't have to be in the military or go to the police academy to be dead on crack shots. In my case I was taught by a war veteran and born with a natural shooting talent.

[@arthurmead5341]

fuck washington

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@@williameaton9058 - George Farr was the high civilian at Camp Perry that year. USMC Sgt. John Adkins was the overall champion. His rifle was fitted with a telescopic sight, whereas Farr used only his eyes and iron sights. Farr's achievement had been remembered more by history - and deservedly so.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@@michaelkilgore8358 - It's perhaps not all that widely known amongst the general public, but most of the shooting innovations in use by the military were discovered and refined by civilians first. Today, the army has their "U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit" and the USMC their teams, but over most of our history as a nation, meaning the U.S.- civilian developments have led the way.

[@77thNYSV]

Love coming back to watching this video. I just picked up an M1903 at my local gun show that has a lot of the telltale signs of being a USMC rebuild. It's cool to think that maybe my new addition had fought in the hands of a Marine at Guadalcanal.

[@6Sally5]

In Navy boot camp, 1970, we carried the ‘03A2 for 11 weeks out of 13 (2 weeks we didn’t get rifles yet). I didn’t know anything about firearms at that time except these were damn heavy holding straight out in front of you as punishment for an eternity! 😂. We went to the rifle range for a couple days, but sadly, we could only shoot about 20 rounds total.

[@jayfelsberg1931]

We had M1917 demils at NTC Orlando for drill in 1973. Wirebrushed for inspection (sigh) but the bolts still worked quite smoothly. Wish I could have rescued one or two or 10....

[@Dixielinemuzik]

Favorite channel hands down.

[@ETHRON1]

My uncle has one that we used to shoot all the time.... I do believe it was from either the Korean era...or ww 2 late...i will have to check. I could (in my younger days lol) take a milk jug at 200 yards easy. I am hoping he wills it to me when he passes...then I can pass it on to my son someday... great vid and great fifle...

[@alec_f1]

I'm so jealous of your krag, ours has a cut back fore stock from sporterization. Smoothest action of most mil-surp bolts. Picked up a James River 03-A4 with the straight stock years ago and love it. Brother has original 03-A1 which I wish I had. He works at the 45th Infantry Div museum here in OKC. You should check our museum out. One of the best in the country.

[@99Racker]

As you probably know, you do not have to physically remove the stripper clip from the action. Just put it in the guide, push the rounds down into the action a d push the bolt home. It will push the clip out. Thanks for your videos.

[@Dragonsbrath]

I have the Smith corrona sniper version and you are spot on that they are great performers. It's reliable,easy to set up and really accurate. Of all the rifles I own I have to say this one is my favorite Thanks for the excellent video,and really enjoyed the history lesson.

[@Gballer43]

Loving how much content you're putting out lately MAC!

[@Bayan1905]

I have an all original K98, have owned the Gewehr 98, SMLE's over the years but never had a 1903 Springfield. The problem is that they cost somewhere around $2,000 now if you try to buy a good one, they're through the roof. You can't get a 03A3 through CMP anymore, they're all out. These are all great guns but the collectors are pricing everyone else out.

[@rebeccamccaghren8260]

Just my 2 cents worth on sporterizing milsurps. There is no justification for it today. But when men like my dad (I'll be 69 in December of 2018) out of the military after WWII they came home and took the rifles they either brought home with them or purchased on the surplus market and they modified them to suit their own needs and desires. Some did better jobs than others. It's my opinion that they earned the right to do that with their blood, sweat & tears. My dad had 2 such rifles that he did as I was growing up. A 1917 Enfield and an 1891 Mauser. Both of those rifles got away from him over the years and I miss having them in my collection. But I still keep my eye out for a good period sporterized milsurp. I currently have 4 in my collection 3 are Full Stocked in the Manlicher style. A 98 Mauser in 30/06, a 1903 Springfield also in 30/06 and an 1891 in 7.65x53. I also have a Mauser 98 that I've had for almost 50 years it is a switch barrel in yep 30/06 and 22-250. All of these rifles were sporterized in the 50's and 60's by men of my father's generation. I consider what these men did to these rifles a continuation of their history. I think to do the same thing today would be a crime against history.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@ Rebecca: I don't know if the project interests you, but it is possible to "reverse" sporterizing at least in some cases. Which is to say that if the stock is all that was altered, it may be possible to procure an original wooden stock and have a gunsmith reinstall the rifle and action into it. Sarco and some other places carry the necessary vintage hardware and stocks, too - and there are also others in that marketplace.

[@georgewhitworth9742]

I will point out that no one was allowed to take their service rifle home. The last time that was ever allowed was after the Civil War period. Ones who did likely stole theirs. Another thing to point out: people who say that was the gun they served with, often mean that was the same TYPE, not the actual gun.

[@behindenemylines3361]

Mausers for everyone! I picked a "sporterized" Remington 1903a3 (AKA - Bubba'd) for really decent price a few years ago. I found a stock and the hardware I needed a put it back to milspec (or at least close to it). Is it prefect, no and I don't care. Good enough fer me!

[@timbaskett6299]

I'm working my way "up". My first centerline, an SKS, second rifle a Winchester 1894 .30-30. Waiting to pick up my AR-10/SR-25, and 4473-ed for a Sporterized 1903 Springfield with a shiny/sharp barrel. The Springfield will go well with my sporterized Swedish Mauser!!!!

[@TheGrenadier97]

Beautiful, strong, powerful and classic rifle. Wish i could have one.

[@jonathanedwards2983]

I have an A3. Lots of smiles when I shoot it. Get them now, they won’t get any cheaper. Thanks for the video.

[@nermanerr]

I've got an 03A3 and I love taking it to the range. Tons of fun to shoot and you use way less ammo than when you're shooting the AR. Lol

[@youssefelbertai5556]

I'm lucky enough to own an 03a3 and I love It! Made in 1943

[@mostlyharmless7425]

Me too, or sorry, same here. I have an 03a3, 1943 Remington. My dad bought it from the CMP for $9 in 1954. My most treasured firearm

[@ELCADAROSA]

Same. Inherited it from my father. Never shot, from what I can tell; no marks on the bolt, etc.

[@vincentlaw1415]

That magazin disconnector is actually a pretty good idea. When you have time and distance to single load rounds into the chamber, you don't need to empty your magazine, which you can quickly use in more hot situations.

[@baneofbanes]

It’s not really, especially when you have stripper clips. Hence why every single army that had them stopped using them during WW1. It’s useless.

[@vincentlaw1415]

@@baneofbanes Why is it useless, explain.

[@vincentlaw1415]

@@baneofbanes I think you missed my point. If the enemy is at a great distance, you can put down single rounds with the magazine turned off, because you're not that much under pressure, but if suddenly the situation becomes more heated and close quarters, you can quickly turn the magazine on, still having a full magazine at your disposal. You can still use striper clips in that scenario but what is faster, turning a leaver or loading a full clip which you first need to pull out of a pouch?

[@baneofbanes]

@@vincentlaw1415Reloading the magazine with a stripper clip under stress is literally what those soldiers where trained to do. The only time a magazine cut off would be useful as you note is in long distance volley fire, in which case there’s no reason to not just top off the magazine with loose cartridges. Tell me, if the magazine cut off was so useful why did literally every military on the planet abandon it?

[@vincentlaw1415]

@@baneofbanes It doesn't make sense for me neither. I think not every good idea stands the test of time, I mean the only real argument you brought forward, is no argument at all, just because a soldier is trained in using stripper clips under stress, doesn't mean a magazine cut off would be more effective and wouldn't require not nearly as much training.

[@brendanfernlund2789]

Great video love the 1903!! Keep up the great videos!

[@Hungrybird474]

I have a 3x9 scope and it's a good gun I think . I haven't fired it yet after having it for 6 months but it sounds and feels great . Last 30.06 I fired was a Remington pump and I liked it . I imagine this is similar . I love the lever to either load 1 at a a time or use the ammo compartment

[@Diddley-js6lf]

I have. One I bought a Rummage sale then The Auction for the Guns, I bought a Mauser with a British Crown Stamped on it. It appears to me it looks like that is the Case, it’s in the Gun Safe along with the 22 Cal. In a Pump Action, I also bought a 410 Pump which a Savage Arms. I have a 6.5 Creedmore, Patriot With a Vortex Scope, I just bought a 17HMR w/ a Scope which isn’t a name brand but it’s performing very well.

[@brentwhite7150]

I got a remington 03A3 made in February of 1943 its a great shooter.

[@rafael502]

23:10 you can actually see the bullet midflight! How cool is that?!

[@tennesseetarantulas5129]

I love bringing old guns out that I haven't shot in a few years. Great video and nice rifles.

[@carterthompson9473]

What a sweet gun. I would love to get my hands on one of them.

[@TheRutanRenegade]

Love the old gun videos!!! Please keep them coming!!!

[@Militaryarmschannel]

I’m glad others enjoy them as much as we enjoy making them.

[@tighay8693]

Thanks from France

[@ballistic5089]

RIP Gunny... you will be missed!

[@cbrucesbiz]

ATI butt pads. They absorb the recoil. First designed to reduce sound and then were discovered to absorbed energy (recoil of a gun). Thus the shoulder is in better condition than ever it would have been. A good way to save that shoulder for ball practice with your kids and grandkids. I have the standard size for my .22 LR's and my AR-15's but I use the extra thick pads for my AK-47. I am working on converting the thick one to affix on my Mosin Nagant. It is a 91/30 hex styled receiver by Tula. The gun is fully stamped 1932 with a low serial number in the 4,000s range. I have to say the barrel is not a Tula, only the receiver. That's what is to be expected from a 91/30. This could have been one of the first conversions as it took them some time to ramp up and the barrel is perfect except for two very small pit marks on the lands. No not for sale. Also came with a laminated stock. Sweet. I got off message, sorry.

[@j.r.sorrell1375]

Nice to know the history behind these old rifles, thanks!

[@secondhandlyon2603]

I had the first generation 1903. I loved it. I gave it to my son who gets more use out of it.

[@ibthumper2]

"Army dude" LOL. Thanks Tim, love me some Krag and 1903's.

[@99Racker]

I note you pull the stripper clips instead of, in the interest of time, just push the clip down and push the bolt forward allowing the bolt to discard the clip. As usual, great video.

[@gapster46]

My father bought a 1903-A3 for me when I was 15 for $19.95 newly refurbished. It was manufactured by Remington in 1943, refurbished in 1945 and stored till I got it. Unfortunately, I did sportorize it around 1973 and I have no idea what happened to the original stock. Who knew that in 1961 when I got the rifle that they would become so valuable when left in stock condition. I’d be lucky to get $500 for it if I wanted to sell it, but it is one gun with too much sentimental value that I will Never sell.

[@jayfelsberg1931]

My 1903 (serial number 880,000) could fetch about $600-700. Has the issue sling

[@seth1530]

gapster46 you didnt sporterize it, you bubbarized it. Yeah who would think that rifles from the most significant, bloodiest war in history would gain value as they became more historic lol. Sporterized? You can hit a deer with it in its original condition? Just had to take the hack saw to it.

[@rogermorrill4700]

Yup we took a 700 to 1000 dollar rifle and made a $250 dollar sporter out of it. back in the day

[@Cmoth040]

My understanding of the military tangent sights is that they weren't for precision shooting but for massed volleys. Kind of an early version of, "And fuck that grid square specifically".

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Yes, that's right: Back at the turn of the 19th century, circa 1900, before crew-served weapons had established themselves as area denial weapons during WWI, unit-sized volley-fires were considered a type of area-denial weapon. A section of troops under an NCO or officer - usually someone with binoculars or other magnified optic as a visual aid in spotting fall of shot - would assemble, set their sights as directed by the leader, and then upon command fire upon the distant enemy. There are a few people with exceptional eyesight and marksmanship who can engage targets successfully at extreme ranges using iron sights (800+ yards), but for most people, around that range and past it, you are talking area denial or harassing fire. Maybe something to keep the enemy's heads down while a maneuver element works its way into position to attack. In principle, since rifles this powerful are still potentially lethal at 800-1000 yards or more, it becomes a problem of identifying the target and then seeing it well-enough to engage it successfully. Which brings you into the world of magnified optics.

[@rogermorrill4700]

George Farr did alright at 1000 yds with a 03 with the 1905 open sight at 1921 Wimbledon

[@simonrennie1351]

Great video on a rifle i don't know much about. Keep up the good work

[@alancranford3398]

Three things about the Springfield M1903 rifle: *The battlesight was set for 547 yards (500 meters) giving a 600-yard (550 meter) point-blank range: aim at the belt buckle of the enemy soldier and the resulting grazing fire would hit from the muzzle to 600 yards. *The 2800-yard sight setting was for the entire rifle company to volley fire on enemy formations--this was "broad side of a barn" accuracy when a rifle company had no machine guns, mortars or guided missiles--cue the whining about how the old thuty-ought-six can kill at more than a mile but the popgun 22 M16 can't harm a mouse at ten feet. *The simplified M1903A3 Rifle of WW2 retained the magazine cut-off because the magazine cut-off is the bolt retaining switch.

[@seniorjohnl]

Very good overview of this rifle!

[@kennebecsmitty]

That A4 is a nice one!I always liked the 03A3,I prefer those sights over the 03.

[@entrepreneurialliving]

Learned to shoot on this gun from my grandpa aka papaw, when I was a kid. It was such a horse kick. The butt plate is literally metal. He was issued his at the ripe age of 17 (he lied about his age to join).

[@easttexan2933]

great review of the different models.

[@ung427]

I remember the Gibbs video. That thing was surprisingly accurate. I'm just at the beginning of this video and can't wait to see if the accuracy of this one is the same!

[@gregsmith2917]

Warm enough for px4 storm torture test yet. Lol. Great video have a good day sir.

[@matthewbrothers2823]

Gotta love 1903s. Such a beautiful rifle.

[@reddotshooters]

1903s are such beautiful rifles... love em

[@gseyank100]

I just picked up a smith corona 03a3. It was butchered! I’m on a hunt for an original stock to bring it back to it’s glory. The rifle is in beautiful condition. I had to save it.

[@theshootindutchman]

My two favorite rifles of all time are the '03 and the m1a1/m14. So beautiful!!! I could never get used to the looks of the altered '03a3 with the "improved" sights. Not a fan of the sights or the disruption of the beautifully sleek classic lines of the original '03.

[@tylerryancoleman]

The Shootin' Dutchman Gotta love the Springfield. My Great GPA brought his back from ww1. Sadly his son sporterized it in the 50's. Now that it's mine I'm trying to restore it to it's proper state.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@ Shootin' Dutchman: Man, I hear you regarding the 03A3 sights. Many folks who collect Springfields like them, but I've never agreed. Those original M1905 sights are terrific once you learn how to use them. The 0-800 yard ramp-style rear sights were a war-time expedient to hurry up production, as they didn't take the time, materials and effort to make that the older sights did.

[@theshootindutchman]

@@tylerryancoleman Hey great man, good luck! Make that sweet rifle just like it was again!

[@dutchman2205]

Ow! The 1903 A3 are very desirable target rifles for military match shooting. For some reasons, the 2 groove barrels are very accurate. This is the rifle you most likely win a match with here on ranges between 100 and 600 meters. But they are very expensive here in Holland. At least €1200,- . ($1500,-). For that money you can get 2 accursed AR15'S or 3 FAL'S or 4 G3's

[@johnzajac9849]

Some sources say that Sgt. York used a P-17 rifle during his famous exploit against the Germans, not a Springfield 1903 as shown in the movie.

[@brandonhutchison9673]

Favorite rifle especially with rear sight forward.Getting really hard to come by these days my local gun shop has one for $3,500.I do regret years back I ran into a original Smith corona 1903 for $1400 but went with a Springfield M1a.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@ Brandon: You can sometimes find vintage M1903s andM1903A1's (with the rear leaf-style M1905 sights) cheap for resale after they have been sporterized. If you run across one which is in good shape, consider picking it up and having CMP or someone like them put it back into the correct stock and original condition. The M1905 sights, the ones located farther-forward on the receiver, are a technological marvel for the time and still work quite well today (if your eyes are good-enough). Good luck!

[@rogermorrill4700]

I paid 39.95 for a Remington 03, but that was in 1964

[@codyscheumann3765]

I have a JRA refurb 1903 and love it! I was told that when the sight ladder is folder down the v-notch is zeroed for 300 yards and when it is flipped up the bottom notch is zeroed for 100 yards. I have never gone out to 300 yards with this rifle, but I am curious if anyone can confirm the 300 yards in the folded position?

[@vicariousreality6176]

With M2 type ball, the battle zero for the sight is 547 yards. The original round nose '03 ball for the first 1903 rifles had a lower muzzle velocity, and the battle zero was more like 300 yards. When they re chambered it in .30-'06, the velocity increased and they adjusted the graduations on the ladder, but never the "height" of the battle sight, so its zero was very high/long. They used to tell troops to aim low at the belt or knees to avoid shooting too high. The USMC later tried to address the high battle zero and difficulty with picking up the fine sights in low light by replacing the front blade with a taller and thicker one, and making the rear sight aperture larger. The USMC sights have a 200 yard battle zero with M2 ball, and are much better combat sights than the original ones.

[@codyscheumann3765]

Very interesting! Thank you for taking the time to answer my question!

[@jowaughtel]

The rock island 1903, if I’m not mistaken. With the rear sight is down, is a 500 yard zero.

[@christianarrington6492]

30-40 Krag was my first hunting rifle. Iron sights only.

[@NYstranger74]

I've been watching since you had that Korn song with the bagpipes as your intro. I think it was the full auto colt in the snow.

[@Militaryarmschannel]

Dude you rock! I got slapped with a copyright I infringement and had to ditch the Korn intro, which I loved!

[@kentonmiles]

Great guns great video. Sucks you have to edit in the disclaimers about kickbacks from companies

[@k.l.wiggin1126]

Great video as always.

[@williamED15]

I hope there is a video in the future talking about the p14/p17 Enfield rifles.

[@caseyalves256]

KZbin be likeStrike 1: side fed magazine Strike 2: front blade sightStrike 3: Bearded man teaching history

[@The01dog]

I think that the battle sight on the 03 is on at 300 yds. On the TV show Top Shot one of the first challenges was

[@Militaryarmschannel]

I think you are right.

[@johnygreen81]

You should be able to cycle the bolt forward and it will knock the stripper clip out of the way without having to remove it by hand.

[@thebfsniper1869]

The "Battle" sight (folded down) v notch is set for 550yrds

[@99Racker]

Enjoyed watching your video. Good summary of the rifle. If I would improve the 03A3, it would be to try to use a replica scope; slower to load to better eye use. You did not illustrate that you do not need to remove the clip, just run the bolt home and the clip is gone. The stocks went from the no pistol grip (stright), to a semi pistol ("scant"), to the pistol grip. The 03A3 normally were the straight but the A4 usually had the pistol grip.

[@leroyatleroys]

I don't know why, but I tend to like blade sights more than apertures. I love all sorts of systems. I was active duty so I definitely practiced a lot with aperture sights. But something about the alignment of blade sights just seems very natural for me. Perhaps it is because I love pistols. I really want a mauser.

[@xeverettx2564]

2 favorite long guns of all time the sprg.1903 and the M1 Garand! Especially the 1903 with being bolt action and right at that time when we were making leaps and bounds in firearms technology and being bolt action is what makes it number 1 for me. Another contributing factor it fires .30-06 rounds which to me is the essential American hi powered round. You can kill anything on our entire continent with confidence at long range with that ol 06!! God bless America, and God bless and protect you Tim and all the patriots who support this channel along with many others! In the end God always wins so keep our heads up and ready to go to where he calls us in this fight against global tyranny!!

[@gapster46]

You can pick up a front sight cover from Fulton Armory for that 1903-A3

[@wedge259]

Looks like you're using Mauser clips like I do in my 1903A3. They get the job done but I wish the fit was a little better, sometimes have a hard time getting the last round in.

[@Militaryarmschannel]

I found my 1903 clips after the video. Lol

[@wedge259]

Military Arms Channel I've always heard the 1903 specific clips aren't as reusable as other designs because of the little tabs on the end, but Ive never had any to try. The generic mauser clips seem to work for a ton of stuff though, I've used them in a Swedish M38, Yugo M48, and my 1903a3, and they will still hold just about any full sized rimless rifle round!

[@bynumite76]

I have a 1903 with sport stock manufactured in 1930.

[@devildog3246]

This rifle was no joke. Remember... This is the rifle that gave you your name "Teufel Hunden". Semper Fi!

[@Locutus494]

Did it though? I don't know about the Marines in Belleau Wood specifically, but the M1917 Enfield was used in far greater numbers by US troops in WWI than the M1903 was. Now that you mention that, I realize that I don't recall ever hearing what rifle the Marines there had.

[@petesheppard1709]

The Marines used the Springfield. M1914 'Enfields' went to the Army, since they needed far more rifles due to expansion. One of my grandfathers carried an Enfield across France in '18.

[@23GreyFox]

"Teufel Hunden"? Doesn't make any sense.

[@petesheppard1709]

According to legend, the Germans started calling US Marines 'Teufel Hunden' (Devil Dogs) because of the Marines' courage and ferocity at Belleau Wood. In honor of that courage, the French renamed the forest 'Wood of the Marine Brigade'. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Belleau_Wood

[@23GreyFox]

Maybe "Teufels Hunde", but still it is only a legend not more.

[@Murphy82nd]

The American Eagle, PPU, etc ammo designed for the M1 Garand are pleasant in the 03A3. Some of the hotter commercial ammo is a bit rough.

[@jayfelsberg1931]

You need to be careful with rifles with a serial number under 800,000 before the steel was improved. My 1903 has an 880,000 serial and has SO FAR handled a fair variety of ammunition. Milsurp if available and useable is fine

[@georgewhitworth9742]

@@jayfelsberg1931 At this point in time, the 03's that would have blown up from that, already have.

[@Tadicuslegion78]

So at my local cabelas there were 2 the difference between the 2 was about 500 bucks I asked the gentleman about the 500 dollar one and he said oh this rifle was made out of extra parts at the end of WW2 to be sold as a sporting rifle, the 1000 dollar one is for collectors this one is for those who want a 1903 but don’t want to spend the money and don’t care about collecting. I really was tempted to buy it but I was responsible broke at the time

[@hiwayman64]

good video as always Tim . And I have one of the 03A4s repo's to but the scope on my rifle only has USMC M36 stamped on it ?? and like you I love to shoot it ... keep up the good work #2ndAmendment

[@hquiller]

My Smith Corona 1903A3 serial number is 1200 apart from yours. I looked at yours and thought "That serial looks familiar".

[@lleppala]

I will say this. If you intend on shooting at closer ranges, flip the rear sight on the 03 up!

[@roccoborghetti4693]

We like to say "People-Sized Target" -Justin Trudeau

[@MarkiusFox]

Works either way. NZ bans the use of person like targets iirc.

[@Yeoman7]

Lol, love it!

[@jayfelsberg1931]

Person-Sized target

[@arthurmead5341]

@@MarkiusFox NZ shooter must have not gotten the memo

[@MarkiusFox]

​@@arthurmead5341 If someone is a good marksman, it doesn't matter if it's a person shaped target or not, what matters is how consistent they are in hitting a given area. With unarmed and unarmored innocent people getting slaughtered within 50 meters by a .22 caliber rifle or a 12 gauge shotgun, they'll score hits in the immediate area that it is aimed. There's no skill required. How effective those hits are however will depend, again, on the shooter's marksmanship. The NZ terrorist's level of marksmanship? A danger to himself and society.

[@Murphy82nd]

You can get prescription lenses for safety glasses. I get prescription sport glasses for shooting.

[@TheHappy_Introvert]

It has been a while since the channel has been to the 1000 yard range. Any plans to film there again? This would be a fun rifle to see shot out beyond 500 yards...

[@bmstylee]

Sherry Champagne I want to see some more DTA long range shooting.

[@deanhoward4128]

Sorry; I have a " sporterized " A303 the dealer I got it from didn't know much about it,so I watch you tube videos & read N.R.A. magazines about the Remington A303 & try to learn about this rifle- whoever " chopped" this one up,did a really nice job,it has the safety reversed due to a scope fitting;& it has a consistent bluing job the rear sights have been removed,but it has a thin blade Marble sight on the front &a 2 groove barrel, the gunsmith that " sporterized" this particular rifle,must have been a professional, because the magazine cut off just goes to the half way position & full on position but where the walnut stock fits the cut off switch,the stock has a ledge carved beautifully in where the switch rest perfectly at the neutral position which makes it easy to remove the bolt.The rifle stock,must be a European walnut,it's as dark as American walnut it has a pistol grip & beautifully cut Monte Carlo style cheek piece,that fits me perfectly! & the rifle has a trap door 5 shot magazine, with the release button in the triggers guard, like some higher end rifles. With the custom stock,& trap door magazine & custom turned bolt handle that clears a modern scope tube,I thought the rifle would be worth a lot of money but the dealer sold it to me for 100$ 20 years ago& although you may not like the " chopped up" old rifle,I do like it and it is just a pleasure to shoot,the old action is just as smooth as the one you were shooting! I checked the serial numbers on a block of numbers that were in a N.R.A. publication a few years ago & all I could get from that was,the rifle was manufactured in 1944,so I don't know if it actually saw combat action or not??? But thanks for your video,I learned a little more about my " sporterized " A303!

[@thebravo1994]

USA used a Britain designed p14 changed to P17 in 30-06

[@baneofbanes]

Which funny enough is also based on the Mauser.