Springfield 1903 Mark I Pedersen Device .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle 1919 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1625

LSB#: 210610BS05

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: 1154310

Year of Manufacture: 1919 (page 373 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition). Barrel Date: August, 1944
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 / 1154310”. The top of the Springfield Armory replacement barrel is marked “S A / flaming bomb / 8 – 44”. The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The underside of the bolt handle is marked “D”. The top of the bolt handle is marked “B&S / flaming bomb”. The right rear of the bolt body is marked “B.P”. The underside of the bayonet lug is marked “H”. The left side of the stock above the trigger is marked “AOH”. The sling is marked “MRT 8-58”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a raised base and under 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 stock shows scrapes and scratches. Some have damaged small portions of the surface wood. Most of these marks have been finished over. The LOP measures 13 ? inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine  overall condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild

Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. There is light intermittent erosion on the face of the muzzle and near the muzzle.  The bore shows an M.E. of 1.1.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The metal shows small scrapes, light handling marks and discoloration. The screw heads show use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine 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 green canvas sling that shows light soiling. It is  in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition. A metal oiler is stored in the butt. One end holds the pull through thong. It shows scrapes & discoloration. Overall it is in about Very Good condition.

Our Assessment: This is a collectible Springfield Armory Model 1903 Mark I. The rifle looks good for being over 100 years old and is historically significant. This one has been rebuilt and now uses a WWII dated Springfield Armory replacement barrel. The rifle still has clear markings on the metal that add to the historical value of the rifle.
The rifle 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 of WWI.