Springfield M1903

The Springfield M1903 was an American rifle based on the Mauser G98. They served well until they were fully retired during Vietnam.

Design
The weapon was designed in 1903 to replace to aged Krag rifles, and to combat the Mausers that had outclassed the United States Army in the Spanish American War. Springfield won the contract with their design, and it was officialy adopted as the US Rifle, Caliber .30, M1903.

M1903
The M1903 was used by the United States when they entered WWI in 1918. It servedthem well, and was a powerful and acurrate rifle, well suited for firing in volleys to stop the Germans from taking their trench. The weapon was used in the interwar years, and was gradualy replaced by the M1 Garand.

M1903A3
The weapon received an overhaul for WWII. It was fitted with a peep sight, new bayonet, and a modified stock. The weapon was never used on the same levels as the Garand, but it was still used by the US Marines in the earlier part of the Pacific war.

M1903A4
The M1903A4 was a purpose built sniper rifle, it had no open sights, stripper clip guide, specialized stock, and a fixed scope. The weapon was extensively used during WWII as a sniper rifle, with scoped Garands. In Korea, it was used, but in far smaller numbers, and only as a sniper rifle. It was used in very small numbers in Vietnam before it was finally retired.

Civilian Use
The Springfield M1903 is a good weapon for target shooting or for hunting, although a non sporterized version is very expensive. They were made available through the Civilian Marksmanship program, but are still very expensive, but excellent firearms.