Description
The M1903 Springfield, officially the United States Rifle, Caliber .30-06, Model 1903, is an American five-round magazine-fed, bolt-action service repeating rifle, used primarily during the first half of the 20th century.
The M1903 was first used in combat during the Philippine–American War,[5] and it was officially adopted by the United States as the standard infantry rifle on June 19, 1903, where it saw service in World War I, and was replaced by the faster-firing semi-automatic eight-round M1 Garand starting in 1936. However, the M1903 remained in service as a standard issue infantry rifle during World War II, since the U.S. entered the war without sufficient M1 rifles to arm all troops. It also remained in service as a sniper rifle during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. It remains popular as a civilian firearm, historical collector’s piece, a competitive shooting rifle, and as a military drill rifle.
There are those who, with some justification, consider the U.S. Model 1903 Springfield to be the most beautiful bolt-action military rifle ever issued. This opinion has considerable merit — but aside from being sleek and stylish, the 1903 Springfield is also, beautifully made, reliable, rugged and accurate.
The fit, finish and design of the rifle was of a quality unknown in today’s military arms. It was produced in government armories by truly skilled workmen who, despite the fact that it was intended as general military issue, still took pride in the product they turned out.
