The 03 Springfield

When I was a kid, after WW2, my father bought 4 ( still in cosmoline ) for $35. each.Three were sold over the years; but I kept one ( still full military ). What a great rifle. Now were they rebuilt or still original; I do not know, but the one I own is totally matched. The challenge was having the Kahles telescopic sight mounted without drilling. The mount is a bit heavy, and adds weight to an already heavy rifle; but I do sandbag - distance shooting anyway. On still days I often use sabot rounds. What an amazing round; but light, and prone to wander if the wind is up. Still, 4,000+ fps is something else. Some irony; the Kahles telescopic sight cost many times more than the rifle, & I bought it used. Kahles | Rifle Scopes | Scope Covers & Sunshades -MidwayUSA
https://www.midwayusa.com/kahles/b?bid=1923

So you put a $2k scope on a $35 rifle? JK LOL. '03's are great guns and capable of good accuracy.

Not an 03....but an 03A3........love shooting mine. Actually, I was thinking of taking it to the range this weekend. I got this one from the CMP several years ago, for about $500 or so.

https://i.imgur.com/FltUmSJ.jpg?1

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bortle

So you put a $2k scope on a $35 rifle? JK LOL. '03's are great guns and capable of good accuracy.

---

Considering the rifle was 9.9 cosmetically, it was well worth it. I paid $1,400. for the Kahles. Beyond accurate. Worth much more, even used.

Great rifles. I shot my first sub-moa Group with an ‘03 and the aperture on the ladder sight.
Question....always asked about the 1903: Manufacturer? Serial # (first three digits).
Pete

Nice rifle. I have shot a refurbished model with Criterion barrel. Tack driver.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jimsouth33

When I was a kid, after WW2, my father bought 4 ( still in cosmoline ) for $35. each.Three were sold over the years; but I kept one ( still full military ). What a great rifle. Now were they rebuilt or still original; I do not know, but the one I own is totally matched. The challenge was having the Kahles telescopic sight mounted without drilling. The mount is a bit heavy, and adds weight to an already heavy rifle; but I do sandbag - distance shooting anyway. On still days I often use sabot rounds. What an amazing round; but light, and prone to wander if the wind is up. Still, 4,000+ fps is something else. Some irony; the Kahles telescopic sight cost many times more than the rifle, & I bought it used. Kahles | Rifle Scopes | Scope Covers & Sunshades -MidwayUSA
https://www.midwayusa.com/kahles/b?bid=1923

---

I can remember when I was a kid back in the 70's and early 80's Woolworths had all kinds of surplus rifles for sale for way less than 100 bucks. Not as cheap as 35 bucks but definitely in the 59-79 dollar range. I recall seeing enfields, 03's, M1 carbines and a few others. If only I had a crystal ball back then I would have bought all of them. But being young and ignorant I thought they were just junk guns.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wellcraft

I can remember when I was a kid back in the 70's and early 80's Woolworths had all kinds of surplus rifles for sale for way less than 100 bucks. Not as cheap as 35 bucks but definitely in the 59-79 dollar range. I recall seeing enfields, 03's, M1 carbines and a few others. If only I had a crystal ball back then I would have bought all of them. But being young and ignorant I thought they were just junk guns.

---

I seen them too. Who would ever want one of those old greasy army rifles? I gotta go work on my time machine

It is an illegal Mauser copy. I believe Springfield ended up paying Mauser royalties at one point. Still, a great rifle.

My father was with OSS 101 ( CBI ) during WW2. I asked him if the 03 was a good military rifle. His reply: well, it will kill a water buffalo; you do the math. I'm having trouble with my scanner; and wish to post a picture of my dad in full battle gear in the Burma jungle. No shirt, just shorts, boots, and a rag hat; and a Thompson slung over his shoulder. Full battle gear has definitely changed.