Springfield 1903 Mark I Pedersen Device .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle 1919 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1275
LSB#: 210915DS12
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1903 Mark I. The Mark I Rifle was made with an ejection port cutout on the receiver. The ejection port is needed for the Pedersen Device.
Serial Number: 1151038
Year of Manufacture: 1919 (page 373 of Joe Poyer’s book, The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition). Barrel Date: June, 1918
M1903 Mk I Rifles were produced from early 1918 to 1920 with a serial number range from 1,034,502 to 1,197,834 (page 31).
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / MODEL 1903 / MARK I / 1151038”. The top of the Springfield Armory barrel is marked “S A / flaming bomb / 6 – 18” . The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked “R” for Remingtom and with a punch. The barrel band is marked “U”. The bayonet lug is marked “H”. The front sight cover is marked “R” and “flaming bomb / U.S.”. The bottom of the grip is marked “89” and with “2 circled P” proofs. The right side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked with a faded Arsenal Rebuild stamp. All that remains is a “box”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade set in a barrel mounted base and under a removable protective hood. The rear sight is a “U” notched blade attached to a fully adjustable sight ladder marked from “3-27”. When flipped up separate notches and an aperture on the ladder can be used for sighting.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a straight grip, metal nosecap with bayonet lug, stacking loop, barrel band, 2 sling loops, 2 through bolts, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows scrapes, scratches, and oxidation. The nosecap & barrel band show scrapes & scratches. The top of the grip shows a repaired crack. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Many of the marks have damaged small portions of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 12 ¾ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Rebuild
Bore Condition: The grooves are grey and the rifling is deep. There is erosion in the grooves and at the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.3.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The receiver has surface erosion showing through the new finish. This area shows discoloration. The metal shows scrapes & scratches; more prominent on the barrel. The bottom metal shows thinning and discoloration from oxidation. The front of the bolt shows surface erosion. The screw heads show heavy use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a sling and a front sight protector. The leather sling shows discoloration & soiling. The metal shows oxidation & scrapes. Overall it is in about Very Good Plus condition. The front sight protector shows light scrapes & scuffs. It is in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This is a collectible Springfield Armory Model 1903 Mark I Rifle. It has been Arsenal Refurbished and looks good for its age. It is over 100 years old and is historically significant. The rifle still has clear markings on the metal that add its history.
This 1903 Mark I was made to accept the Pedersen Device. The Pedersen Device replaced the bolt assembly and accepted a 40 round .30 caliber (pistol caliber) magazine. The Pedersen Device was meant to multiply the firepower of the individual rifleman. The rifleman carried 5 magazines for a total of 200 pistol caliber rounds. This was ideal for clearing trenches. Luckily WWI ended before the Pedersen Devices could be used in the trenches.
For an informative video on the Pedersen Devise and its accessories see youtube.com/watch?v=wLzdGPzHL8U .