1903's

[taperxz]

Does anyone know how many different types of 03's were made and/or the significance of the different styles made? I know this question may be a little broad so i am really talking about the different features and looks. thanks

[mauser98k]

1. the Standard M1903
Don't forget that a few were modified in the early 1900's for use with the Pederson device. The Pedersen Device is an attachment developed during World War I for the M1903 Springfield rifle that allowed it to fire a short 0.30 (7.62 mm) caliber intermediate cartridge in semi-automatic mode

2. M1903A1
Same as 1903 but with a new stock of pistol grip pattern, the forward finger grooves omitted, and the surface of the trigger milled to have a surer grip

3. M1903A2
A proposed barrel and action fitted into a special mounting for use as a sub-caliber training weapon for tank guns. the requirement was subsequently canceled.

4. M1903A3
The rear sight was moved back to the rear of the receiver. various small changes were made in construction to simplify and speed up manufacture. this model may have a straight or pistol grip stock, and may have a barrel with only 2 rifling grooves. the design was standardized on May 21, 1942

5. M1903A4
Same as A3 but with a Weaver 330c sighting telescope and the iron sights removed. the bolt handle was also modified by cutting and bending so that it did not foul the telescope when operated.

[taperxz]

Thanks, just pulled mine out of the safe after a few years and doing some research on it.

[gunboat]

The pederson device recievers are stamped 1903 mk 1 --

[smle-man]

Just to add that the 03s and 03A3s may also be found with the 'scant' stock which is a stock with a semi pistol grip made from stock blanks not quite big enough for an A1 type stock. These are WW2 stocks and are ugly as sin but very comfortable to use. 03A3s and 03A4s may have 2,4, or 6 groove rifling although I've never seen a 6 groove barrel. If an 03 has a 2 groove barrel it is an 03A3 barrel with the diameter turned down to fit the rear sight sleeve.

[20DaysLate]

Wikipedia has a fair amount of info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1903_Springfield

[paul0660]

Oh. Thought you were talking about Oldendorf Mausers. Never mind.

[Jeff L]

Here's a good 03 reference site.

http://www.vishooter.net/m1903.html