If you think my pricing is too high, I have no problem with you purchasing elseware. Model: 1903 Mark I Serial Number: 1079311 Year of Manufacture: 1919 (page 374 of Joe Poyer's book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition). 1 was the first rifle to be assembled when serialized production began at the historic armory in Springfield, Mass., in November 1903. SMITH CORONA MODEL 03A3 BOLT ACTION WWII MILITARY RIFLE 30-06 - NICE RIFLE, WWII US Property | Savage Enfield No. [citation needed] Other advancements had made it clear that the Army needed a replacement. [39] The external ballistic discrepancy at long-ranges became evident during World War I. Many failures were attributed to use of incorrect cartridges, such as the 7.9257mm Mauser. ORIGINAL US. It should be noted that this is a typographical error, and that Col. Ramsey is likely referring to Camp Pontanezen in Brest, France. It is not until July 8, 1925 when Colonel H.W. M1903A3 Rifle Remington was able to save production time by developing an adjustable rear peep. Col. Schull requested that that U.S. Rifle No. The M1903 "Modified" (center) was a transitionary variant between the 1903 and the '03A3 and '03A4. These limitations on long-range targeting were due to the limited field of view present in both the Weaver scopes. Pl, Another great item from Gainesville Pawn! 1944 Metal is in excellent condition, with minor scratches, dings and rubs. [27] As the war progressed, various machining and finishing operations were eliminated on the M1903A3 in order to increase production levels.[27]. Springfield 1903, MARK 1 For Sale from: Southern Yankee Guns MARYLAND LLC | Positive feedback: 100% View | Verified Seller | 248 Completed Sales View Sellers Items SOLD - $1,599.95 Shipping: $35.00 (or FREE in-store pick up!) They recommended replacement of the Krag. He subsequently underwent basic training with the 49th Infantry Regiment. Serial # 1370739 matching on the rece, Thos 30-06 Cal. A specific model of the 1903 Springfield rifle was made for the Pedersen Device called the Mark 1. Get notified. If not removed by frequent and proper barrel cleaning, these residues could cause pitting and excessive wear. The 1903 adoption of the M1903 was preceded by nearly 30 years of struggle and politics, using lessons learned from the recently adopted KragJrgensen and contemporary German Mauser Gewehr 98 bolt-action rifles. 2700 yard rear barrel sight, two bolt stock. Of the approximately 1,536,300 Springfield Model 1903 receivers which were serialized from start to finish (1903 -1940), Mark I rifles account for a minimum of 6.62% and a maximum 10.63%. The bore of the rifle is 0.30inches (7.62mm) in diameter. 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. A feature inherent to the M1903 and not found on the Mauser M98 is the cocking piece, a conspicuous knob at the rear of the bolt, allowing the rifle's striker to be released without dry firing, or to cock the rifle if necessary, for example to attempt a second strike on a round that failed to fire. SN 816205. The M1918 device was designed by John Pedersen c. 1917 and was specifically designed to convert the 1903 bolt action rifle into a semi-automatic rifle by simply replacing the standard 1903 bolt with the Pedersen device and inserting one of the special magazines. Though a stripper-clip or charger loading modification to the Krag was designed, it was clear to Army authorities that a new rifle was required. Although preferable to the burden of . Still, some M1903A4s remained in sniper use as late as the Vietnam War; and technical manuals for them were printed as late as 1970. 1, taken in 1974 by Marie Sarno for the local newspaper (Springfield Daily News). In 1977, the Army located a rather large cache of unissued M1903A3 rifles which were demilitarized and then issued to JROTC units as a replacement for their previously issued M1 Garand and M14 rifles, which were then returned to Army custody due to concerns about potential break-ins at high school JROTC armories. . *SPRINGFIELD ARMORY MODEL 1903 "T" RIFLE. The M1903A4 was a relatively accurate rifle with an effective range of about 600 yards (550m). 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. SPRINGFIELD 1903-A3 STRIPPER CLIPS 5 ROUND STEEL. RIA PRODUCTION OF MODEL 1903 1903-1-7500 1904-7501-16000 1905-16001-28000 1906-28001-75000 1907-75001-130000 1908-130001-165000 1909-165001-178000 1910-178001-201000 If the metal reciever, barrel, ect were refinished, I would expect them to be more of a darker blackish blue or a lighter dull grey like the M1 Carbines when they sandblasted them and refinished the metal. The precision rear aperture sight was located too far from the eye for efficient use, and the narrow, unprotected front sight was both difficult to see in poor light and easily damaged. This year, H&R announced an expansion of its AR-15 lineup, bringing additional "retro" models to the market, including a 9 mm Luger-chambered Colt SMG clone, an M16A2-styled rifle and the carbine-size 723. The overall condition of this gun is Very good with some minor wear. SPRINGFIELD 1903 22 HOFFER-THOMPSON GALLERY RIFLE, 22 LR, 23" bbl., 98% metal finish, exc. 1 was exchanged for another rifle when he transferred. - Introduction of nickel steel at SN319921. Optics are clear. SET OF 10. 1903 springfield rifle For Sale 1000+ Listings Found Page 1 of 319 1 2 3 . Here is a work of art from master gunsmith HW Creighton of Nashville TN. I inherited the gun in 1996 from my father, a WW2 veteran. The stock was also slightly cut down on the left side to clear the ejection port. To plug the barrel, a very cold steel rod was inserted; after it warmed up it was too tight to remove. Prior to installation of the Pedersen Device, the Mark I rifle fired the standard .30-06 cartridge and functioned exactly like a standard M1903 rifle. 1 (Andrew Schmidt Photography, LLC). When the leaf and slider are down, the battle sight notch appears on top. At the wars conclusion it served in reserve, acting as a funneling point for the men of the AEF to begin their voyage back to the United States.Rifle, Caliber .30, Model of 1903, serial No. It's in great condition. Overall right side view of stock Markings on bottom side of wrist Left side Maniacal carving on top of wrist Last edited by TwoGunChuck; 01-19-2020 at 10:05 PM. What stamping numbers should I be looking for other than the barrel stamping date, serial number, and bolt stamping? In August 1918 he was transferred to the 83rd Division, 2nd Depots Signal School. This Rare Springfield Armory 1903 NRA Sporter is in Great shape. Two stock screws. with sporter stock. Sadly, they had no knowledge of either and their connection to the former President.Close up of the rifles receiver, prominent serial number marking and rear sight (Andrew Schmidt Photography, LLC). *1903 SPRINGFIELD RIFLE. Springfield 1903 Upper Handguard $ 49.95. Springfield Armory Model 1903 Mark I 30/06 Springfield Armory Model 1903 Mark I 30/06 cal sn: Slotted for Pederson device, arsenal refinish, BBL dated 5-44 by H.S., very good to excellent, wood *SPRINGFIELD ARMORY MODEL 1903 "T" RIFLE. We pick up the trail again on Oct. 31, 1919, when Col. N. F. Ramsey at Camp Pontanesen wrote to the Chief of Ordnance for the AEF to inform him of the discovery of M1903 No. [6] The M1903 not only replaced the various versions of the U.S. Army's Krag, but also the Lee M1895 and M1885 RemingtonLee used by the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps, as well as all remaining single-shot trapdoor rifles. 1. 1, Model 1903, which is understood be in the possession of the Ordnance Office, be sent to this armory for examination and comparison with the current product, Schull also requested that the historically significant serial No. On the right side Remington Bridgeport, Pedersons Patent Pending. Hoffman Arms Co. Cleveland, Ohio 30-06 bearing Hoffman #200 with 22" barrel with banded ramp front sight and barrel attached sl, SPRINGFIELD O3 OR 03-A3 CANNOT TELL WITH REMOVING THE BASE AND RINGS HAS A 26 INCH HEAVY CUSTOM B.R. This receiver is fitted with a barrel manufactured in 1909. The M1903 rifle included a rear sight leaf that can be used to adjust for elevation and windage. Clear (Springfield Wikipedia Page) 7 Item(s) Found Page 1 1. The ejection port is needed for the Pedersen Device. From its adoption in 1943 until the end of the war it was used extensively in every theater of operation by both the US Army and the USMC. The retooling was almost complete when it was decided another change would be made. Made circa 1925. "Serial number 1269046. SN 616632. *1903 SPRINGFIELD RIFLE. The article closes out with Mr. Lynaugh propositioning Mr. Wallace, if you ever want to sell it, will you let me know . As most can conclude, it was not for sale and likely never will be. It was made by Savage. Accepted Payment Methods: Returns: No Returns The earliest guns are marked O, Guns Listing ID: 528302Manufacturer: Springfield Armory Importer: Springfield Armory Model: 1903 Sporterized Type: Rifle Action Type: Bolt Action Caliber / Gauge: .30-06 Springfield Finish: Black Barr, "Springfield 1903A1 National Match .30-06 caliber rifle. The images will illustrate this rifle much better than I can describe. SKU: SPG-UPPER. All original, matching and excellent. He introduced himself to the museums curator, Thomas Wallace, and informed him that he had been issued M1903 serial No. It has a 24-inch barrel. "SN:1309927. There were four main variants given official nomenclature, though there are a number of important sub-variants: There are two main other types, various training types, and competition versions such as the National Match types. The first floor was reserved for drafting and modeling quarters, while the second and third floors were reserved for the museums displays. 1 that the rifle found its way to a unit with the 1st Division. The Krag officially entered U.S. service in 1894, only to be replaced nine years later by the M1903. Re: 1903 Springfield Mark 1. 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. Sorry, they're all of a different date and therefore with different backgrounds. Serial # 4079xxxUSPS priority mail is 70.00West Coast 120.00. JROTC units use M1903s for regular and inter-school competition drills, including elaborate exhibition spinning routines. National Match M1903A1 rifle. In a letter to the secretary of war, he said: I must say that I think that ramrod bayonet is about as poor an invention as I ever saw. Andrew Stolinski is a military historian who focuses on first half 20th century American small arms. 1 was restored and restocked. The full box weighs 100lb (45kg). The milled parts on the Remington M1903 were gradually replaced with stamped parts until, at about serial number 3,330,000, the Army and Remington recognized that a new model name was appropriate. M1881 SHOTGUN 1-1400 SPRINGFIELD KRAG-JORGENSEN RIFLES [dated by fiscal year: July 1 of previous year - June 30 of fiscal year] . ), Muzzleloading Modern & Replica Pistols (flint), Muzzleloading Modern & Replica Pistols (perc), United States Patent Firearms Revolvers/Pistols, Century Arms International (CAI) - Shotguns. EXCELLENT BRIGHT BORE, METAL SHOWS A NOICE PARKERIZED FINISH. Receivers or barreled/receivers require a dealer 01 . CALIBER 30-06. If you'll read my reply above, I believe it answered most of your questions. This design was rejected, and a new design combining features of the M1898 Krag rifle and the Spanish Mauser M1893 was developed. Again, I am thinking about buying the gun but I am trying to do my best to confirm it is the real deal. WOOD IS ALL SOLID. . Included in the listing is the pic, Presented for sale, you will find a Chilean Mauser Model of 1895. The cartouche and stock proof is visible but a little light. Buy Springfield 1903 Mark 1 - .30-06 - from 1919 with 24" barrel - AWESOME GUN: GunBroker is the largest seller of Bolt Action Rifles Rifles Guns & Firearms All: 965382463 . "Rare Springfield 1903 NRA .30-06 (R26941), SPRINGFIELD 1903 22 HOFFER-THOMPSON GALLERY RIFLE, Custom Springfield Armory 1903 Action .257 Roberts Caliber Sporting Rifle S/N 288595XX, "Custom NRA 1903 Springfield Rifle 30-06 (R32369), Springfield Custom Rifle 30.06 Caliber Bolt Action, "Beautiful Kornbrath Engraved R. G. Owen Springfield 1903 Bot Action Rifle (R28700), "Springfield 1903A1 National Match .30-06 (R25402). Model: SPRINGFIELD 1903, 1903A1, 1903A4. The Ordnance Department adopted the Pedersen Device in March 1918 and for security purposes designated it "AUTOMATIC PISTOL CALIBER 30, MODEL 1918". Springfield 1903 Rifle. [35] Large numbers of M1903 rifles were sent to China. In Army service, both the M1885 and M1895 6mm Lee were used in the SpanishAmerican War, along with the .30-40 Krag and the .45-70. M1903 Springfield was the first service rifle to be adopted by all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Various US allies and friendly irregular forces were also equipped with the weapon. Preparations for production of the M1903 had begun earlier in June 1903. SN 1216937. While the Krag had been issued with barrel lengths of both 30-inch rifle and 22-inch carbine models, the Springfield was issued only as a short 24-inch-barrel rifle in keeping with current trends in Switzerland and Great Britain to eliminate the need for both long rifles and carbines.[7]. In all other respects, the Mark I is identical to the M1903. Model 1903. Barrel is star gauged and dated 1937. The floor plate has some ton, U.S. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY MODEL1903 BOLT ACTION RIFLE. Springfield Model 1903 Mark 1 - .30-06 SPRG $ 999.00 For sale is a Springfield Model 1903 bolt-action rifle in .30-06 SPRG. SN 451520. He was finally discharged from the army on March 19, 1919, at Camp Devens, Mass. Hopefully I'm adding something useful by posting photos of my Mark I receiver. From visual inspection of the rifle itself, however, we know that six years later, on Oct. 13, 1931, M1903 serial No. It was destined to be an icon; of all the myriad weapons produced at the government arsenal over its many decades of operation, when one says "Springfield", it is understood that one means the M1903. It depends on how much "olive green" - it "too" olive, it may be a WWII repark. Through close up photographs and detailed archival research we will explore this history of No. In 1882, the bolt action Remington Lee rifle design of 1879, with its newly invented detachable box magazine, was purchased in limited numbers by the U.S. Navy. I sure would appreciate your help. *1903 SPRINGFIELD ARMORY ROD BAYONET. The two main problems usually cited with the Krag were its slow-to-load magazine and its inability to handle higher chamber pressures for high-velocity rounds. Due to its balance, the M1903 is still popular with various military drill teams and color guards, most notably the U.S. Army Drill Team. Buy Mark 1 1903 Springfield USMC Rebuild : GunBroker is the largest seller of Bolt Action Rifles Rifles Guns & Firearms All: 974166840. As a result of damage caused by the fire No. After studying captured Spanish rifles, the United States adopted the United States Magazine Rifle, Caliber .30, Model of 1903. For our fellow 1903 Springfield collectors, we occasionally have a nice selection of early and late model 1903's for your consideration. *1903 SPRINGFIELD NATIONAL MATCH RIFLE. 30-06. The standard set of improvements were made, including the removal of the rifles rod bayonet, a new front sight and a new bayonet boss and nose cap was fitted. With Pedersen Device, marked on the device on the left side U.S.A. 1918 Mark I, S/N 6164. This case displays a disassembled Model 1903 Rifle. Cal. 55 had recently been sold to the Secretary of War William Howard Taft. 30. *1903 SPRINGFIELD RIFLE. COMES. A SPRINGFIELD ARMORY 1903 MARK I rifle is currently worth an average price of $990.96 used . This rifle will ship v, INV. MFG. Cal. Barrel has a couple small wearing marks. Several weeks later, by the direction of Capt. Schull (who was the Commanding Officer at Springfield Armory) sent a request to the Office of Chief of Ordnance in Washington D.C. that the rifles paper trail resurfaces. Mr. Lynaugh was with the 49th Infantry, which was attached to the 83rd Depot Division. It came with a very nice deep blue Greek blueing job but had an absolutely Fuggly, green parked A3 bolt. Rare NRA rifle in near excellent condition. Please look at the images carefully. GOOD METAL FINISH . The "U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, Model of 1903," better-known as the M1903 Springfield, has become one of the most popular U.S. military small arms to collect. 1 rifle, Model of 1903 is this day returned, by express, with a new eyepiece, oiler and thong case in the butt as directed. Rifle number 55 was not yet ready to ship and Phipps acknowledged a letter dated the December 3, that requested the fitting of a civilian sight made by the Lyman Company. SPORTER ***SALE PENDING***, Mauser Model of 1908 German 1944 | $Reduced, WW2 EARLY PRODUCTION REMINGTON U.S. MODEL 03-A3 BOLT ACTION .30-06 CAL. US Springfield 1903 Mark1 Rifle today. It was made in 1926. [17], In the 1920s and the 1930s, M1903s were delivered to US allies in Central America, such as Cuba, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. This rifle is in good condition overall. They tried multiple spelling possibilities of Lynaugh in case his name was incorrectly spelled in their records. Add to cart. It has a 24-inch barrel. *1903 SPRINGFIELD NATIONAL MATCH RIFLE. But once again after 1919, we have another period with little documentary evidence. Cal 30-06. Up for sale is a Smith Corona Model 1903-A3. 226 Williams Ln. This complete set consists of: 1) the Springfield M1903 Mark I rifle, 2) an original Pedersen Device (serial number 962), 3) an original Pedersen 40-round magazine, 4) one carton of 200 rounds of "CAL. An original 1919 dated bayonet with canvas scabbard. I would like to buy a rifle that has most of the original parts. T.C. Springfield Armory Model 1903 bolt action rifle in .30-06 Springfield. Receiver marked U.S. Springfield Armory Model 1903 Mark I. Values are derived from many years of collecting and selling firearms, watching internet and forum classified sales, employment experience at a nationally renowned auction house, and stack upon stacks of auction catalogues. Join Date: February 26, 2013. SN 739160. The story of the first M1903 produced by Springfield Armory is a little different and it is a mystery as to how it entered the U.S. Armys inventory for issue.Some Technical Information on Springfield Armorys Serial No. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. 1 subsequently be retained for exhibition at the armorys museum.October 1919 Memo advising the Chief of Ordnance in the United States that US rifle bearing serial No. A blade front sight and an adjustable tangent rear sight. This gun was un issued and has never been fired. From our research we know that he and his company arrived at Camp Merritt in November 1917 before moving from Camp Merritt to Camp Upton in July 1918. Its travels only serve to amplify its significance and importance as an artifact which gives us a window into the history of the M1903 and the U.S. Army. Cal. WW2 PARRIS DUNN SPRINGFIELD U.S. MODEL 1903 DUMMY TRAINING RIFLE CIRCA 1942. I think it's still there though. Numrich Gun Parts Corporation. The Mark 1 denotes that this rifle was compatible with the secret Pedersen Device, a secret weapon that converted the 1903 to a semi-auto pistol caliber rifle. U.S. SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1922 MILITARY M2 BOLT ACTION RIFLE , SER# 7167, CALIBER 22LR . To speed up production output, two-groove rifled barrels were adopted, and steel alloy specifications were relaxed under "war emergency steel" criteria for both rifle actions and barrels. A blade front sight and an adjustable tangent rear sight. Springfield 1903 rifle. Barrel is marked, flaming bomb and H, Smith-Corona 03-A3 .30-06 Sprg. He further states that while training with a signal corps unit, the rifle was taken away from him and replaced with an M1917, and he was not pleased with the transition. Bought a 30-06 sporter that has been drilled/tapped for scope and bolt bent/etc. Comes with 1913 dated M1905 bayonet & scabbard. Lynaugh arrived in France on July 30, and marched to Camp Pontanezen the next day. Brought home a Springfield 1903 Mark 1 Howdy, Yesterday I picked up a Springfield 1903 Mark 1 milled for the pedersen device. U.S. Warner-Swasey WWI Rifle Scope and Case, c. Model 1903 Springfield Twenty-round Box Magazine, - World War I Army recruiting poster- Men, *LOT OF THREE SPRINGFIELDS. The authors would also like to extend their appreciation to Lori Miller from Red Bird Research, LLC. 4977. As the already worn tooling began to wear beyond use Remington began seeking Army approval for a continuously increasing number of changes and simplifications to both speed up manufacture and improve performance. Label on stock. 1907 CAL. Cal 30-06. The overall condition of this firearm is very good, with some minor signs of w, ".30-06 Caliber with a 24" barrel.Absolutely beautiful gun done by master gunmaker Robert G. Owen. 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;[24] it was primarily adopted in order to speed familiarization by soldiers already trained on the M1 Garand, which had a similar sighting system. $700 to $800 is about average for a Remington A3. Other features of the M1903, such as high-grade walnut stocks with finger grooves, were replaced with less expensive but serviceable substitutes. December 17, 2018 By Joseph von Benedikt. Up for sale is a Springfield Armory Model 1903. Stock has no cracks, dings or scratches but has be, "Early production made in 1908. Serial number- 1168952. Her archival expertise in personnel records at National Archives in St. Louis, Mo., allowed us to track Sgt. Any numbers or stampings and go together? 1 and attempt to share its fascinating story. Nice/clean sporter, and was wondering if the MARK 1 designation makes this rifle more valuable than a standard 1903? However, the values listed are based on ??? I may not buy it and if someone here is real interested please PM me and I will get you in touch with the guys who have it. There are currently no customer product questions on this lot. The story does not end with the rifles restoration, however, as a recollection from a soldier who claimed to have been issued No. 1907 CAL. - Free Online Library", FM 23-10 Basic Field Manual: U.S. Rifle Caliber .30, M1903, 20 September 1943, (1943) TM 9-270 U.S. Rifle, Cal. 55. 1s movements, we explored Mr. Lynaughs service history. Taft would later go on to become the 27th President of the United States and the 10th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. It is somewhat unusual to find a World War I or early World War II M1903 with its original dated barrel. Stock has a ""RA-P"" cartouche directly above tri, WW2 PARRIS DUNN SPRINGFIELD U.S. MODEL 1903 DUMMY TRAINING RIFLE CIRCA 1942. Description. You can see the finish of the rifle on the three pictures. Very few Pedersen Devices and magazines escaped destruction or retention by government museums. Springfield 1903. [21], In service, the Springfield was generally prized for its reliability and accuracy, though some problems remained. Direct replacement barrel for the M1903 rifle. Again, I am thinking about buying the gun but I am trying to do my best to confirm it is the real deal. Reading a bit about the rifle it's been said that some early models can't be fired? S# 127677. No cartouch stampings or anything else visible. The marking on the bolt will either be on the top or bottom of the bolt handle where it joins the bolt body, OR on the bottom of the safety lug, located about halfway up the bolt body. This type of rear sight was previously designed by Adelbert R. Buffington of the U.S. Army Ordnance Department. 1 was the first rifle to be assembled when serialized production began at the historic armory in Springfield, Mass., in November 1903. It remained in use until the end of the Second World War alongside the M1 Garand. After demobilisation, M1917 Enfields became surplus and the 1903 resumed status as the standard issue US rifle. According to Bruce Canfield's U.S. Infantry Weapons of WW II, final variants of the M1903 (the A3 and A4) were delivered in February 1944. The M1903A3 became one of the primary rifles used by French forces until the end of the war, and was afterwards used in Indochina[34] and by local militia and security forces in French Algeria. This suggests that Lynaughs recollections are accurate and that M1903 serial No. All NRA sporters were blued and this rifle has most of it, C409 Springfield 03/A3 30-06 cal. Find the 1903 Springfield parts list and accessories that you need now! Presented for sale, you will find a Lee-Enfield No. *SPRINGFIELD CUSTOM BOLT ACTION RIFLE. 10:42 PM. The canvas ammunition belt and canteen are fine showing wear and use overall, and the magazine pouches and bolt carrier are like new. Clearance, Springfield 1903. This new design was accepted, type classified and officially adopted as the United States Rifle, Caliber .30, Model 1903 and entered production in 1903. In military use it was outnumbered by the M1917 Enfield for much of the war. 1 in 1917. Cal 30-06. [citation needed] The Warner & Swasey Model 1913 musket sight continued to see service after the Pancho Villa Expedition and during World War I but was eventually deemed inadequate and was removed from the US Army's inventory by the 1920s. The original Pedersen Device parts are still in place. The GyroJet pistol fires small rockets or microjets that utilize rocket propulsion to fire its rounds rather than the traditional gunpowder [], The Manurhin MR73 series of revolvers was developed specifically for the requirements of the French Gendarmerie and special service units of the French Police and Military. 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. The butt stock is a smooth grip hardwood straight grip with a storage compartment that includes spare bolt parts. I could not find the serial number listed in the Springfield Research Service serial numbers guides I have. i would love to post pics but i do not have the gun in my possesion. The US military licensed many of the Mauser Company's and other German patents, including the spitzer bullet, later modified into the .30-06 Springfield.