The 1903 Springfield Rifle / History and Features

[@ap1765]

I feel like the reciever problem is overstated. It's been over a century, if these were going to blow up they would have done it already.

[@PilotPatriot]

Agreed. Especially under just occasional range shooting

[@patgreen3487]

I've got a 1903 Springfield built in 1918

[@warrenharrison9490]

1903 Springfield is definitely on my list of future purchases.

[@TheWall2772]

I got one bc my great grandfather had it in WW2 as protection since he was the rare ones telling battalions of tanks where to aim from doin calculus in his head

[@Zoomie932]

I have one that is an actual WW1 war veteran. I still shoots straight......

[@jimtiller7802]

Great video. Warms my heart to see such a young man put so much effort and passion into such a iconic and historical firearm. Look forward to you producing more videos.

[@bigjimwvmtman9995]

My Father fought a guerrilla war 1929 to 1933 against Augusto Sandino Nicaraguan revolutionary. He carried a 1903 Springfield. Read many times magazine release was used to conserve ammo. I was taught by my dad that magazine stop was used for long range shooting of enemy & flip on when enemy was close for fast reloading. I will go with ww1 vets that taught my dad how to shoot 1903 Springfield what magazine release was used for. Thanks for the great video on 1903.

[@Fireworxs2012]

*How OLD ARE YOU? Like...what, 107?...Were your born when your "Dad" was 80?*

[@bigjimwvmtman9995]

Did you pass 4th grade basic math? 2023 - 1933 = 90 years - 1955 was my dob.

[@Jason-iz6ob]

1903’s sure did serve a long time. My dad was a sniper in the 5th ID at Ft. Carson in 1967, with a 1903….

[@bigfella1234]

Did some work for a older person and he gave me a 1903 very happy about it

[@PARR53]

I love my M1903 by RIA. It’s a 1918 serial number date range with a rebarrel by S.A. In 9-29. It shoots like a dream and easily prints 1.5-2 MOA in 5 shot groups with boring regularity and sometimes better. I’ve easily hit 8” steel plates at 250m (273 yards). These old girls will built to shoot long range and volley fires with irons. The only complaint is how the rear sight in these early generation models were kinda fragile and far away from the eye. It has 5 different sights on that rear aperture for different applications of fires which can be kinda confusing until you figure it out. All in all though. The weapon rocks. They are worth collecting and a joy to shoot.

[@classicgunstoday1972]

Love to get one myself. They are so expensive right now. Been debating between this or a 1917 Enfield. Love the .30-06 Springfield. Great presentation

[@samiam619]

Get the M1917.

[@samiam619]

I have both. Love my 03, but love the 17 more…

[@classicgunstoday1972]

@@samiam619 Will you shoot it here or there? Will you shoot it in a boat? Will you shoot it with a goat? Or is it like green eggs and ham? ;)

[@classicgunstoday1972]

@@samiam619 i think the 1917 is what I will go with

[@stevenh.390]

Can't go wrong with either. Had a Winchester M1917 rifle.

[@pitsnipe5559]

First encountered the 03 in US Navy boot camp in 1970. We carried these as drill pieces. Such a beautiful piece of engineering. Always wanted one.

[@11CharlieJMAC]

Just picked one up from 1903 for $800 I have cross rifles on my collar on the dress uniform and my beret has cross rifled 1903s.

[@jestomacco1594]

I just picked one up from a buddy for 750 bucks! Cant wait to try it 😃

[@PilotPatriot]

Wow that's a steal!!! Enjoy it!

[@mafirearmsafety]

@@PilotPatriot I got my Springfield 1903A1 for $250 in the 70’s, still have it, I used boiled linseed oil on the stock, it’s beautiful.

[@danielescobar7618]

I just got one at a pawn shop for 175. It aged out. Took it home to realize it was one of 20k A4 sniper variants. I'm gonna restore it.

[@kurtistjones6337]

Nice video man. Very professional.

[@bigdeal6852]

My Dad got one in the mid 60s he refinished the stock and upgraded the sight back then. Now I have it. It's a beautiful gun and a classic that's been around a LONG time. 🤣

[@Relayer56]

Went CMP store last week to buy a Garand. They had some nice 1903’s, which I was not expecting. I wanted one SO bad. I maintained my discipline and left with the Garand. I really want to go back for a 1903!

[@randyyoung5139]

I got mine in Anniston today. She is a beauty!

[@B25gunship]

I carried a Smith- Corona 1903-A3 in Navy boot camp in summer of 1967. We drilled alot and these rifles went everywhere we went. The only time we didn't carry them was when they trucked us off to firefighting school. That was also the only day we did not have to shave. That Smith- Corona used to get mighty heavy by the end of the day. I even used to remember the barracks stencil number on the buttstock but have long since forgotten it.

[@stevenh.390]

Just found a 1903 SA at a Pawn shop, has a serial starting with 789---, it was rearsenaled it has a scant stock and a barrel dated 5-08, but according to the serial the receiver was made in 1918. I pick it up un a couple weeks!

[@Catgat37]

Have you put rounds through her?

[@davidschmidt6013]

First time I've seen your channel. I like your presentation style, casual but obviously well-informed and impartial. Very 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!

[@PilotPatriot]

Thanks! And if you wanna think of me as a son I'll gladly take care of it for you 😉

[@endutubecensorship]

I hope everything goes well whatever your plans are, I hope the ol girl finds another home that cares for it well.

[@cliffshirley829]

Great talk. I finally found a Remington made 1903 (1942) after looking for a near pristine model for many years. You are correct in every respect about the iconic beauty of the 1903 Springfield. One of my favorite military rifles. Thanks.

[@Voucher765]

The 1st Marine Division when they landed at Guadalcanal during World War II in their first campaign were still armed primarily with the bolt action Springfield because semi auto rifles weren't issued to them yet

[@mwnciboo]

Those Leathernecks suffered at Guadalcanal - but they dished out alot of damage on the Japanese. Riflemen to the last, they would have made that 1903 work.

[@Voucher765]

@@mwnciboo Most of the American public at that time was demoralized because of Pearl Harbor and other defeats like Bataan when the Japanese invaded the Philippines and forced our dudes on a brutal death march which made matters worse so Midway and Guadalcanal were turning points that helped regain confidence after those blows leading to what we know which came later

[@docimastic]

Certainly ranks amongst the best gun videos I have ever seen, and I've seen a lot! Very well done, everything shown very clearly, and an extraordinary amount of information. Thanks for taking the time to Make the video and share this information with us. How much did I like it? Enough that I had to subscribe! Thanks again!

[@warrenharrison9490]

As always a quality production informative interesting and entertaining I appreciate your hard work. Thank you. PS you're looking trim 👍👍

[@LSwick-ss6nm]

I was given one along with 2 M1 Garands that belonged to my great uncle a WW2 vet.

[@PilotPatriot]

Awesome!

[@bbscmvsa7411]

Treasure those. Pass them down!

[@brentfarvors192]

That's a nice rifle!!! One of the cleanest I have ever seen!

[@JoãoSales-d3p]

Muito bonito apaixonante❤.

[@jayreid8389]

Just picked up a 1942 Remington 03 to go with my Remington 03A3 and Smith Corona 03A3.

[@brandondavis4306]

I just got my hands on a 1903A3 smith corona and you can feel the history off the rifle, And she shoots like a dream a buddy of mine and I both put 5 rounds (10 rounds total) and we put 10 bullets in 2 holes at 100 yards she is very accurate he has a mosin we tried to match it against it was no contest the 1903 walked all over the mosin.

[@windogendoors7566]

Mine was made in 1906 and went through USMC restoration. It still shoots great. Great video

[@slithersnake8451]

Im watching this because I bought my first WW2 rifle today at a gun show, none other than a Remington 1903 dated 4-42. I have really been enjoying it and I think it was worth every penny

[@bbscmvsa7411]

What did you pay if you don't mind me asking? Think the WWI go for a bit of a premium

[@slithersnake8451]

@@bbscmvsa7411 It was listed at 1,600 but I was able to talk the guy down to 1,100 somehow. Even 1600 is a good price for that gun because all the parts are matching and its mint.

[@hoffmiermp]

One hell of a rifle, that is for sure. Recently picked up a pristine Smith Corona 03A3 dated 06/43 and is an absolute sweetheart. Always wanted one for my Marine Corps lineage and finally have one to add to the collection.

[@marklettow6610]

Excellent video. This really helped me. Thank-you!

[@jeepcj3b436]

Great video. Thank you.

[@dumberthandirt9912]

Thank you for this video. By far my favorite rifle. I own a Model 1903 MK 1 and live in Springfield MA where they were made. IMHO the best Mauser action ever built.

[@AR15WS6]

Good video

[@chris.3711]

I have a 1905 dated receiver with a '42 barrel. Sub 100,000 number gun. A gun I picked up as a sporter and was able to remilitarize and save with all original parts. Looks great!

[@usnchief1339]

Awesome video! I got my Smith Corona M1903a3 made in Oct 43 last year for $200! It needs a complete Stock, future project, to bring it back to an original configuration. I say it was a good purchase.

[@gomezmunoz584]

I have a 1903 that my dad got somewhere back in the WW2 era. Whoever had it had "sporterized" it by cutting the stock down halfway down the barrel and slid the bayonet lug down to hold the stock on. The top wood was removed. After my dad died, I bought new wood and put it back to stock condition and also bought the sword bayonet for it. My rifle holds 10 rounds though. I bought the extended magazine for it. I think they called it a sentry option. There is also a 20 round magazine set up that was made for Air service but it is way beyond my price range, It allows the rifle to have a 25 round capacity.. I used that rifle deer hunting for years as a teen. I love it. The sword bayonet also fits my M1. I bought another sword bayonet for it so now both have that long blade out front.

[@scottdunkirk8198]

I have a 28 dated C stock and love it

[@lacydowningjr8708]

I really need to find one of these beautiful rifles to add to my collection.

[@frankdavidson9675]

these rifle orig. came with 2 groove barrels i added 4 groove to mine many yrs ago also got the turn down bolt to allow for scope mine is about 90 yrs old but looks new (priceless)

[@Wagonman5900]

I have a Rockisland 1903 that dates to the 1920s. It has a 1927 Springfield barrel on it and a later aftermarket stock. I think my great-grandfather used it for hunting.

[@theoroosevelt2101]

Thanks for a good historical video without the politics!

[@themightypen1530]

Fantastic video. Where can I get one?

[@cornbread6616]

Beautiful rifle. Great job 👍

[@PilotPatriot]

Thanks!

[@mia1shooter]

Great info, awesome video

[@motomikebuilder]

I have a 1903 R.I. numbered in the 52K range that has been modified not to blow up. I have a Bayonet that fits my gun but it's rusty and the release needs to be taken apart and serviced to work. Should I touch this at all to make it work or keep it original?

[@PilotPatriot]

Nothing wrong with cleaning up the bayonet in my opinion. I wouldn't paint it or sharpen it but a good cleaning isn't a problem

[@motomikebuilder]

@@PilotPatriot thanks for responding

[@endutubecensorship]

If your bayo has wood scales I'd pop them off as easy as you can and give the whole bayo a soak in penetrating oil. After a day or so soak try a plastic stiff bristle brush, if that don't work try a soft brass brush or gently 000 or 0000 fine steel wool. Blow off the excess oil with compressed air and she should be good to go. Best of luck

[@JohnDoe-u4c]

I picked up a 03-A3 1943 Remington new old stock out of a surplus years ago. It’s a honer to own it.

[@gigong8125]

Man great job. Your video was flawless and delivered with passion. Thanks, I was gifted one a few days ago. Springfield, 1.4 million in production. I look forward to working it. And of course getting that bayonet. Thank you.

[@Thenoblemoonshiner2]

9:49 the Norwegian krag had that mag cutt off to but to cut of the mag it hat to be in the upper position. So oppisite from the us mag cut offs where it was cutt off wen it was down

[@Shoutinthewind]

I have a 1903 A4 one of these it’s a beautiful and iconic gun.

[@donaldshaffer9275]

When you stated converted, two things happened, either rechambered for the 30-06 or rebarrelled. The 30-03 caused high erosion trying to propel that 220 grain bullet. If you're lucky enough to find a original stock from rod bayonet it will have plug in the hole

[@bighashgang1990]

one of my favorite rifles of all time, I have the exact one in this video, was said to be used in WW2 in the pacific theatre

[@roypatterson7866]

I have a 1903 Springfield made my Remington. In really good condition.

[@PilotPatriot]

Awesome!

[@IronSharpensIron127]

A friend of mine just gave me a highly modified 1903. I'm still trying to figure out exactly what I have. I do know that with a decent scope on it, it will be able to do some seriously long ranges.

[@CowboybubPercussion]

Would getting a receiver re-heat treated ruin it’s value at all?

[@georgewhitworth9742]

BIG time. Plus, the low number rifles at this point are still safe to shoot, they just don't have *quite* the strength other rifles have. I know several low number guns who hunted moose and elks for eighty years after they were sporterized, and never had issues. There's a few videos that kinda make a good point that is "if they were to explode under heavy use, they already would have." (sources: C&Rsenal, Mike B) If you still have concerns about shooting low number guns, but still want to get one, it'll be good to just leave it as it is, as any kind of modification would make its value decrease drastically. Or, take it to a competent gunsmith who can examine it and give you advice on how to proceed.

[@beararms3703]

Great video. Springfield Armory produced the rifles until 1939. I own a 1903 that was produced by SA in 1938.

[@stefanosemisa9288]

This rifle and the Lee Enfield are my 2 favorite classic bolt action rifles ever! Masterpiece ! Nice video!

[@bigdeal6852]

Yes ! 👍

[@ryuhadouken2722]

I got myself a 1903a3 Remington made in the 7,000,000. Chambered in 3006 and it’s grouping is a size of a quarter at 50 yards bench rest.

[@GammaFields]

What is that picture of at 6:50?

[@PilotPatriot]

1903 trench gun, it has a parascope so you can shoot from a trench without popping your head up!!

[@darrenbraun3906]

I noticed you breifly mention A3. I have an unsporterized Mark I. where can I get info about what that weapon was used for?

[@PilotPatriot]

The book listed in the description would be a good start

[@SanitysVoid]

The American Muaser. There is an A3 at my local pawn store but I want a 03

[@invoxicated]

I trained with this rifle in Navy boot camp in 1971. I was bummed out I thought they would have us use the M16.

[@TheJimyyy]

coolest bolt rifle of ww1 , ww2 . need one but they expensive

[@Lonewolf-930]

My favorite sniper in cod 1 because of sound and damage to the enemy

[@mafirearmsafety]

I have a beautiful 1903 A1 from Springfield

[@xanderburns1332]

My 1903 has a RIA receiver but a Springfield Barrel

[@johnedwards2051]

i learned how to shoot with one of those big kick but a great gun if you can find one get one

[@rogerd777]

Excellent video. I have a 1943 Remington M1903A3. I have never really understood why the US restarted manufacturing the 03 during WWII when the M1 had replaced it for all purposes except sniper.

[@3-DtimeCosmology]

I'm surprised no one manufactures a modern repro. Should sell pretty good if it's cheaper than an original.

[@danielescobar7618]

I just got one in 2024 for 175, it was at a pawn shop sporterized with a scope worth twice that, and its also an A4 , so the scope mount is original, but the rings were changed for a bigger scope. I plan to restore it. They must have had no idea what jt was.

[@colinincarnato5628]

U didn't mention the 03 springfield mark 1 that took the Pedersen device

[@PilotPatriot]

6:29

[@zontagshadow7662]

Hello. My apologies for bothering you. I am doing my final project and i have chosen to do a 1903 Springfield and i desperate need the dimensions for all the pieces. Would it be possible for you to offer me the necessary dimensions? Or some blue prints or drawings you have? I would appreciate it a lot

[@AdventureswithaaronB]

Nice vid

[@parkerhoward605]

What is the version at 6:38?

[@christianblan5623]

That’s Called the Pederson Device. It Converted the rifle into a semi auto shooting pistol ammunition

[@parkerhoward605]

@christianblan5623 the Pederson Device rifles unfold like that? I never knew that. Also thanks for the response!

[@christianblan5623]

@@parkerhoward605 🤟

[@mitchellgolston2726]

Will at some point own one i shot one it’s a beautiful weapon and shoots true

[@luthermccubbin5709]

Good. Job

[@mikebryant8082]

Want one! What do they generally cost and who has them?

[@schanppsidee]

Depends where you buy one from. I have one that I paid about 800 for mine with tax. I bought it from The CMP so it was a good deal.

[@PilotPatriot]

You can probly expect to pay anywhere from 1000 to 2000 for a rifle like this. I got a decent deal on this one at antique gun show for $900

[@pilotbarusarao8728]

मेरे पास 280 बोर राईफल है जो रॉक कनैढा ने बनाई थी कनैढा

[@scottemmert3845]

5 round internal box magazine. You can charge it with a stripper clip

[@matep3581]

We’re did u get it

[@PilotPatriot]

Antique gun show

[@georgedoolittle9015]

Remarkable firearm for any time but particularly this time was a great weapon for the US Marine Corps in the early days of World War 2 in the Pacific not least reason being there were so many of them so no one was going to War without a service rifle (World War 1 saw the Enfield as most used service rifle.) Great hunting rifle too. Could mount a scope. A little ungainly but not ridiculously heavy. The M1 Garand was a great follow on as was the M-14 all made given the after action reviews from actual battlefield experience seeing the value of sniping. Growing up around M-16s and working with those the mechanism of the M16 and flexibility of the platform was amazing but barrel wear and sniping ability compromised the item as did reliability issues. As a service rifle I can't think of anything better than an M-16 and all of its variants but it is absolutely true to say "not this" bolt action wood stock great iron sights very pleasing to look at and make function. I think it could fire a grenade as well. As a former M203 gunner this was a way better grenade launcher than that is an understatement if true of the Springfield.

[@justsomeguywithlonghair6595]

Could you do the M1917 next?

[@PatriotDIY]

If I had one I would lol

[@marcmcfarland1153]

I got one in the late 90s for $108

[@randallkaeser]

Bro that’s a whole sword! Yeah! haha

[@colinincarnato5628]

It was always referred to as just the 03 springfield

[@christopherbowes1727]

Hi everyone! I have one could anyone help me figure out what year it was made ? Thanks!

[@PilotPatriot]

Wrong link sorry bout that.....here you go! gun-data.com/springfield_model_1903.html

[@PilotPatriot]

If you want to get more detailed info about the manufacturers production dates and barrel and other parts check out the books linked in the description

[@jamesvatter5729]

Sorry to correct you, but in reality, the 1917 is "the rifle that led us through WW1."

[@patgreen3487]

Also have a Remington 1903 A3 built in 1942

[@kfelix2934]

Nice video, but I still love and think the mauser is a better rifle.

[@bds123087]

How much could someone expect to pay for a basic model?

[@harrymurphey2634]

... the 1903' Springfield will drive tacks ... and ... you can get ammo anywhere and everywhere ...

[@GlennHarmon-h1r]

there was one more company that made then eddystone 1917

[@aidenlegobatman]

1:01 oops

[@alexanderdrywall3043]

I would much rather own one of these then a stupid Mauser!

[@Jaylen-ll3cz]

Re4 gun

[@pilotbarusarao8728]

बहुत ओख बता दिया राईफल के बारे में ये राईफल ठीक नहीं खरीदनी

[@Veiterfechter]

Guadalcanal Japan? Really?

[@PilotPatriot]

In Guadalcanal (against) Japan.... I misspoke

[@samiam619]

@@PilotPatriot since you bring it up… not many jungles in Japan. 😀 But on the whole, nice video. Also, it’s called a spitzer, not a spear bullet.

[@PilotPatriot]

@@samiam619 Okinawa certainly is jungle/rainforest. And spritzer is also commonly called a spear point Spitz literally meaning "pointed"

[@drno4837]

75% of the american soldiers in ww1 had p17 Lee Enfield's, it was not issued much after 1941, and it was no way unparalleled in anything. It is just a mauser nothing special.

[@Fireworxs2012]

*Hey there Genius...It's not a "spear point" bullet. It's called a SPITZSER Bullet. FFS..Kids these days. It's like they're proud of their ignorance* 🙄🙄

[@PilotPatriot]

You are right i should have used the correct German wording, but im trying to make this all easy to understand for people that are learning about the history these guns for the first time. The Spitzer HAS been commonly refered to as a "Spire Point" as well (referances below). If your only beef with my video is that I used common phrasing (laymans terms) rather than the german term I must have done a pretty good job on the video.........sooooooo please DONT BE A D1CK Spitzer (noun) - A Pointed Bullet : The spitzer bullet, also commonly referred to as a spire point bullet, is primarily a small arms ballistics development of the late 19th and early 20th century, driven by military desire for aerodynamic bullet designs that will give a higher degree of accuracy and kinetic efficiency, especially at extended ranges www.definitions.net/definition/SPITZER en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spitzer_(bullet)

[@charlessedlacek5754]

No need to punk the guy down. Big deal, he didn't use a german word..still a good video.

[@charlessedlacek5754]

I ask your opinion...would 700 dollars be a fair price to pay for an 03 in nra good condition?

[@Fireworxs2012]

*For that kind of money, I would look real hard at the bore. Pay special attention to the throat and the lands. A lot of 03's have had the barrels shot out of them. The 03 was in its heyday during the time of corrosive powders. If they weren't maintained well, with regular cleaning, the barrels suffered for it.*@@charlessedlacek5754

[@N_sync]

Love dis rifle i have a replica one for armed exhibition or spinning rifles