The M1903 Springfield was adopted by the US as its standard infantry rifle in the beginning of the 20th Century, based on the famous "Mauser" action, the new gun was generally well received by soldiers and the gun saw extensive service during the U.S' involvement during the Great War. The rifle continued to serve faithfully during the interwar period and was in the process of being phased out in favor of the semi-automatic "M1 Garand" as hostilities in Europe grew into what would become the Second World War. With another war becoming increasingly inevitable, the US once again began preparing its armed forces for another war in Europe. While the new M1 Garand was being produced by Springfield, it became clear that the output of the federal arsenal would not be able to meet the demand for arms. In order to make up for arms shortages, contracts were given to Remington Arms Co, and Smith-Corona ( a type writer company) to produce a simplified version of the M1903; which would be re-designated as the M1903A3. There are numerous differences between the M1903 and the "03A3"; the most noticeable visual difference in the M1903A3 was the replacement of the barrel-mounted rear sight with a smaller, simpler aperture rear sight mounted on the rear of the receiver which was designed by Remington; it was primarily adopted in order to speed familiarization by soldiers already trained on the M1 Garand, which had a similar sighting system. Other modifications included a new stamped cartridge follower; and stock furniture that was also redesigned in stamped metal.
The M1903 and the M1903A3 rifles were used in combat alongside the M1 Garand by the US military during World War II and saw extensive use and action in the hands of US troops in Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific. The US Marines were initially armed with M1903 rifles in early battles in the Pacific, such as the Battle of Guadalcanal, but the jungle battle environment generally favored self-loading rifles; later Army units arriving to the island were armed with M1 Garands. The U.S. Army Rangers were also a major user of the M1903 and the M1903A3 during World War II with the Springfield being preferred over the M1 Garand for certain commando missions.
According to Bruce Canfield's U.S. Infantry Weapons of WWII, final variants of the M1903 (the A3 and a further modified version of the gun known as the 1903A4) were delivered in February 1944. By then, most American combat troops had been re-equipped with the M1 Garand. However, some front-line infantry units in both the U.S. Army and Marine Corps retained M1903s as infantry rifles beyond that date and continued to use them alongside the M1 Garand until the end of the war in 1945. The Springfield remained in service for snipers (using the M1903A4), grenadiers (using a spigot type rifle 22 mm with the M1 grenade launcher] grenade launcher until the M7 grenade launcher was available for the M1 rifle in late 1943), and Marine scout sniper units.
This particular rifle was made by Remington in 1943; so its every-bit a WWII gun. It is in excellent condition. The action works well with no missing or damaged parts. This is an original WWII-era battle rifle NOT a re-activated drill rifle!
The stock is in great shape with no cracks or splits. A crisp "FJA" (Frank J. Atwood) cartouche can be found on the left side of the stock - another indicator that this is an all correct WWII rifle.
It features a date-matching barrel in excellent condition. The bore is nice with sharp rifling and no rust or pitting.
Included with this rifle is an original "early war" leather sling; which fits the rifle well and matches nicely in terms of condition.
*This weapon was made after 1899 and MUST be shipped to Federal Firearms License holder for transfer. Never bought a gun through an FFL before? Give us a call at (262) 473-5444 and we'd be glad to walk you through this simple process!
