US Rifle, Cal. .30, Model of M1903, Mark I
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PREFACE
There are hundreds of forum topics on the US Springfield Armory Model 1903 Mark I rifle which can be retrieved through internet searches. But for the average gun collector, it is very difficult to locate valuable and encompassing information in one stop.
Some folks buy rifles only to collect, others will not own a rifle if they can't shoot it. But most owners will have an interest from an historical perspective, and the current relevance of their particular rifle's originality and value. Hopefully, the following presentation will alleviate the need for owners of Mark I rifles to surf and weed through extraneous links and unrelated text to find quality answers to their questions.
Pictures are presented to support the text. Some photos are limited in size to facilitate ease of reading. But if anyone would like larger images for greater detail, let me know and I will add them in subsequent replies to the topic.
The focus of this article is on rifles in military configuration only. Sporterized examples are outside the topic of discussion.
A special thanks goes out to John Beard and Rick Slater for review, input, direction and corrections.
BACKGROUND
In an effort to break the stalemate of trench warfare in WWI, noted arms designer John Pedersen developed a mechanism which would fit into the bolt channel of a rifle, successfully transforming the bolt action into a semi-automatic firearm. Capacity increased from five rounds to forty rounds, and rate of fire increased from fifteen rounds per minute to eighty. Seen by the War Department as a highly advanced offensive and defensive advantage over enemy troops, the development and production proceeded under secrecy with a deceptive designation given by Ordnance Department as the US Automatic Pistol, Caliber .30, Model of 1918. Today, we simply call it the Pedersen Device. Sixty-five thousand Pedersen Device units were built at Remington Arms from late 1918 through mid 1920.[2]
Pedersen Device (pictures courtesy of Rock Island Auction, sale price of lot - $69,000}
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http://rockislandauction.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-pedersen-device.html
In order to accommodate the Pedersen Device, a few changes needed to be incorporated 1nto a standard bolt action rifle. While the device could be adapted to most any rifle, and plans were made to include the Model of 1917 and Model 1891 Mosin Nagant, the only rifle to receive alterations and go into full scale production was the US Rifle, Cal. .30, Model of M1903, Mark I at Springfield Armory.
WWI ended before the Pedersen Device went into full scale production. Hence, the devices and most Mark I rifles went straight into storage. When semi-automatic rifle plans became operative, the Pedersen Device became obsolete and all but several dozen were destroyed in 1931. The inventory of Mark I rifles were ordered to be returned to M1903 standards in 1937.[3]
But since a small percentage of Mark I rifles still appear today in original configuration, John Beard states, "The Chief of Ordnance issued a directive that the peculiar Mark I parts on the rifles were to be removed and replaced with standard service rifle parts in preparation for issuance. The existence of numerous original Mark I rifles indicates this directive was not entirely followed. The rifles were issued to National Guard troops, since the regular Army was being issued M1 Garand rifles at that time."
Hence, the Mark I rifles which retained their original features have a more favorable allure in the collecting community than the rifles refitted with standard parts or entirely Arsenal Overhauled. But whether original, returned to standard, re-inspected, repaired or entirely overhauled, there is still a connection to a unique purpose and history, and the Mark I is a niche variant for any complete Model 1903 collection. For collectors seeking a better familiarity with the Mark I before adding their specimen, let's take a closer look and answer some common questions.
John Pedersen
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QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MODEL 1903 MARK I RIFLE
The most commonly asked question will be addressed first (and last).
Q1: How much is my Mark I worth?
A1: The $64,000 question. And yes, a spectacular and completely original Mark I rifle accompanied by an excellent conditioned Pedersen Device with full accoutrements could approach $64,000. But what is just the rifle worth? It depends. Many sellers, buyers and owners will see the Mark I stamp on the receiver ring, and dollar signs begin to roll in their eyes. And rightfully so. Desirability for the Mark I drives up collector's interest, and hence the price. All features and condition being equal between a standard M1903 and a Mark I, the latter will generally realize a 7-10% higher price.
But what factors can account for one rifle selling at $600, and another at $4,000 or more? There is no one simple answer, so it is best for a buyer to be armed with accurate information before clicking the BIN on a nice looking $2,500 Mark I appearing on an internet auction or at a show, and to later find out that experienced collectors value it at only one-third the price paid. So, what is one worth? It really does depend, so please read on.
Q2: Is the Mark I rare?
A2: No. Citing Springfield Armory's serialization chart, Mark I production began in the fall of 1918 at serial number 1034502 and ended in mid-1920 at serial number 1197834, allowing for a possible 163,332 units.[1] John Beard also states that some overlap with standard marked receivers took place both early and late, as well as some National Match and star-gauged Special Target rifles appearing in 1919 and 1920. Other sources (Canfield and Eger) cite Mark I production at 101,775 units.[2][4] Beard suggests that the total is much greater than the Canfield low estimate. 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%.
Realistically, around one in every twelve to thirteen of all Model 1903 rifles from Springfield Armory were Mark I stamped. Even if Rock Island and Remington Model 1903 rifles are included in the total number of rifles, the Mark I still accounts for 4.21% to 6.75% of production from the approximate 2,417,000 units.[1] So due to the sheer numbers produced, and the relative ease at which one can locate a rifle for sale on the secondary market, the Mark I is best described as 'less common' than a standard Model 1903 - but not uncommon, scarce or rare. Notwithstanding, it is a noted collectible variant.
Q3: Can I use a Pedersen Device in my Mark I?
A3: Probably not. Most Mark I rifles (over 95% by my estimate) have been stripped of their adaptive parts which mate with the Pedersen Device. The bulk of the approximately 65,000 Pedersen Devices which were originally produced at Remington Arms have been destroyed, and the ones which do remain are generally cost prohibitive, at $20k -$50k.[2][3][4] And even if one has a device and a rifle with the correct mating parts, the original Remington ammunition is so scarce that the rounds themselves are collector items. France did adopt a similar cartridge that was mass produced, as 7.65 X 20 Longue. To my knowledge, no working reproductions of the Pedersen Device are available on the market.
Q4: Can I find original Mark I parts for my rifle?
A4: Yes. But parts may not be readily accessible or reasonably priced when/if found. Aside from the receiver with the Pedersen ejection port in the left bolt channel, an original Mark I is equipped with an adaptive cut-off switch and associated slotted-head and plunger-loaded spindle to lock the Pedersen Device in place. The non-serrated trigger has a dual sear function, one for firing as a normal 30-06 with the original bolt, and the other for the .30 cal pistol round (7.62X20) of the Pedersen Device. The upper rear shank of the Mark I trigger arm was milled flat to ensure consistent and smooth contact with the secondary sear arm. The two-crossbolt, grasping-groove S-stock with smooth buttplate also has a milled recess directly under the ejection port on the left side of the receiver.
During Arsenal Overhaul programs most of the specially designed cutoffs, spindles and trigger/sear assemblies were replaced with conventional parts. Stocks which were still serviceable were installed on any 1903 rifle, without regard to Mark I or standard 1903 receiver. Mark I stocks can still be found on general overhauled rifles. Small parts can still turn up on rebuilds, but with far less frequency. Loose parts can sometimes make cameo appearances in the usual places such as ebay, Gunbroker, classifieds or general parts for sale sites. But be prepared to pay. Most folks know the rarity and value of their special items.
Q5: Are there reproduction or fake parts?
A5: Yes. Stocks can have post-military cuts for the ejection port recess added by civilian owners. Some are crudely done and readily identifiable as non-arsenal, some not so much. Cutoffs and spindles have been altered and/or newly manufactured. Trigger systems are a little harder to fake, as the trigger housing/sear is uniquely shaped, but it can be duplicated by machined removal of material on a standard sear. Also note that Rock Island used a smooth trigger face. Study carefully and tread lightly.
Q6: Is a Mark I safe to shoot?
A6: Maybe, but generally yes. As with any firearm, a qualified pre-firing safety inspection and headspace check should be performed. On the receiver steel forging consistency, all Mark I receivers have serial numbers higher than the (approx.) 800,000 serial sequence at which the double heat treatment (DHT) process began in Feb 1918. Low Number receivers could be brittle, and might be unsafe to shoot.[1] High Number receivers are generally considered as safe to shoot, when passing safety inspection. Again, all Mark I rifles are High Number, and hence, DHT.
Rifle bolts could also be affected by forging consistency issues before the DHT implementation, and a bolt is the easiest part to swap on the rifle. A general rule of thumb follows that all bolts with the rearward Swept Handle received DHT, and the bulk of bolts with a Straight Handle did not receive DHT, and could be brittle. Most bolts will also have steel lot codes stamped on surfaces of the safety lug or bolt handle root. Bolts with no steel lot codes are generally early construction. Study of these codes will aid in determining whether they were built before or after DHT.[1] Please follow all safety protocol to determine if your Mark I is safe to shoot.
Q7: Is my barrel original to my receiver?
A7: Maybe. No records were kept for barrel dates and individually serial numbered receivers. Throughout Model 1903 production at Springfield Armory, there was no attempt to follow assembly in an exact sequential serial number order, nor any guarantee that barrel dates (month, year) were mated to serial numbers from the same month of construction. Receivers and barrels were produced in lots, and the parts could be randomly pulled from production bins at assembly.
Receiver numbers were also recorded only at the beginning of each year, so there is no monthly serial data available.[1] But since a yearly beginning number is known, a receiver can generally be determined as early/mid/late year production, and barrel dates which fall within a three or four month range of the estimated receiver age could reasonably be considered as an original pairing.
An unknown but significant number of Mark I rifles were subjected to rigorous period testing, and may have required barrel replacement contemporaneously with new production. Hence, we see a fair number of barreled receivers today which appear to have original finish, but with barrel dates from early to mid-1918 which significantly precede the start of Mark I receiver production in late-1918.
For the Mark I, any SA stamped barrel (Springfield Armory) which is five months or more out of the estimated receiver date, can not be determined to be (potentially) original construction. Any barrel stamped other than SA is not original. An excellent data table appears on the VI Shooter site which lists serial number and barrel dates for several hundred Springfield Armory Model 1903 rifles.[1] A look at this table, with cross-reference to the yearly starting serial, may help you decide for yourself if your barrel and receiver are an original pairing.
Q8: Was my Mark I used in battle?
A8: In The Great War, no. Mark I production began almost simultaneously with time of the Armistice to end WWI. It is possible that some Mark I rifles could have been issued in post-WWI activities with American Expeditionary Forces such as the Siberian Intervention, but near impossible to prove without direct written provenance. By the time the US entered WWII, the Springfield 1903 had been largely relegated as rear echelon, support and guard weapons, and likely did not see front line use in major battles.
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References
[1] Vi Shooter, Beard, Henry http://www.vishooter.net/R03.txt
[2] Guns.com. Eger http://www.guns.com/2013/06/22/perishings-super-weapon-the-pedersen-device/
[3] Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedersen_device
[4] American Rifleman, Canfield https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2016/10/18/never-in-anger-the-pedersen-device/
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
PREFACE
There are hundreds of forum topics on the US Springfield Armory Model 1903 Mark I rifle which can be retrieved through internet searches. But for the average gun collector, it is very difficult to locate valuable and encompassing information in one stop.
Some folks buy rifles only to collect, others will not own a rifle if they can't shoot it. But most owners will have an interest from an historical perspective, and the current relevance of their particular rifle's originality and value. Hopefully, the following presentation will alleviate the need for owners of Mark I rifles to surf and weed through extraneous links and unrelated text to find quality answers to their questions.
Pictures are presented to support the text. Some photos are limited in size to facilitate ease of reading. But if anyone would like larger images for greater detail, let me know and I will add them in subsequent replies to the topic.
The focus of this article is on rifles in military configuration only. Sporterized examples are outside the topic of discussion.
A special thanks goes out to John Beard and Rick Slater for review, input, direction and corrections.
BACKGROUND
In an effort to break the stalemate of trench warfare in WWI, noted arms designer John Pedersen developed a mechanism which would fit into the bolt channel of a rifle, successfully transforming the bolt action into a semi-automatic firearm. Capacity increased from five rounds to forty rounds, and rate of fire increased from fifteen rounds per minute to eighty. Seen by the War Department as a highly advanced offensive and defensive advantage over enemy troops, the development and production proceeded under secrecy with a deceptive designation given by Ordnance Department as the US Automatic Pistol, Caliber .30, Model of 1918. Today, we simply call it the Pedersen Device. Sixty-five thousand Pedersen Device units were built at Remington Arms from late 1918 through mid 1920.[2]
Pedersen Device (pictures courtesy of Rock Island Auction, sale price of lot - $69,000}
http://rockislandauction.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-pedersen-device.html
In order to accommodate the Pedersen Device, a few changes needed to be incorporated 1nto a standard bolt action rifle. While the device could be adapted to most any rifle, and plans were made to include the Model of 1917 and Model 1891 Mosin Nagant, the only rifle to receive alterations and go into full scale production was the US Rifle, Cal. .30, Model of M1903, Mark I at Springfield Armory.
WWI ended before the Pedersen Device went into full scale production. Hence, the devices and most Mark I rifles went straight into storage. When semi-automatic rifle plans became operative, the Pedersen Device became obsolete and all but several dozen were destroyed in 1931. The inventory of Mark I rifles were ordered to be returned to M1903 standards in 1937.[3]
But since a small percentage of Mark I rifles still appear today in original configuration, John Beard states, "The Chief of Ordnance issued a directive that the peculiar Mark I parts on the rifles were to be removed and replaced with standard service rifle parts in preparation for issuance. The existence of numerous original Mark I rifles indicates this directive was not entirely followed. The rifles were issued to National Guard troops, since the regular Army was being issued M1 Garand rifles at that time."
Hence, the Mark I rifles which retained their original features have a more favorable allure in the collecting community than the rifles refitted with standard parts or entirely Arsenal Overhauled. But whether original, returned to standard, re-inspected, repaired or entirely overhauled, there is still a connection to a unique purpose and history, and the Mark I is a niche variant for any complete Model 1903 collection. For collectors seeking a better familiarity with the Mark I before adding their specimen, let's take a closer look and answer some common questions.
John Pedersen
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MODEL 1903 MARK I RIFLE
The most commonly asked question will be addressed first (and last).
Q1: How much is my Mark I worth?
A1: The $64,000 question. And yes, a spectacular and completely original Mark I rifle accompanied by an excellent conditioned Pedersen Device with full accoutrements could approach $64,000. But what is just the rifle worth? It depends. Many sellers, buyers and owners will see the Mark I stamp on the receiver ring, and dollar signs begin to roll in their eyes. And rightfully so. Desirability for the Mark I drives up collector's interest, and hence the price. All features and condition being equal between a standard M1903 and a Mark I, the latter will generally realize a 7-10% higher price.
But what factors can account for one rifle selling at $600, and another at $4,000 or more? There is no one simple answer, so it is best for a buyer to be armed with accurate information before clicking the BIN on a nice looking $2,500 Mark I appearing on an internet auction or at a show, and to later find out that experienced collectors value it at only one-third the price paid. So, what is one worth? It really does depend, so please read on.
Q2: Is the Mark I rare?
A2: No. Citing Springfield Armory's serialization chart, Mark I production began in the fall of 1918 at serial number 1034502 and ended in mid-1920 at serial number 1197834, allowing for a possible 163,332 units.[1] John Beard also states that some overlap with standard marked receivers took place both early and late, as well as some National Match and star-gauged Special Target rifles appearing in 1919 and 1920. Other sources (Canfield and Eger) cite Mark I production at 101,775 units.[2][4] Beard suggests that the total is much greater than the Canfield low estimate. 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%.
Realistically, around one in every twelve to thirteen of all Model 1903 rifles from Springfield Armory were Mark I stamped. Even if Rock Island and Remington Model 1903 rifles are included in the total number of rifles, the Mark I still accounts for 4.21% to 6.75% of production from the approximate 2,417,000 units.[1] So due to the sheer numbers produced, and the relative ease at which one can locate a rifle for sale on the secondary market, the Mark I is best described as 'less common' than a standard Model 1903 - but not uncommon, scarce or rare. Notwithstanding, it is a noted collectible variant.
Q3: Can I use a Pedersen Device in my Mark I?
A3: Probably not. Most Mark I rifles (over 95% by my estimate) have been stripped of their adaptive parts which mate with the Pedersen Device. The bulk of the approximately 65,000 Pedersen Devices which were originally produced at Remington Arms have been destroyed, and the ones which do remain are generally cost prohibitive, at $20k -$50k.[2][3][4] And even if one has a device and a rifle with the correct mating parts, the original Remington ammunition is so scarce that the rounds themselves are collector items. France did adopt a similar cartridge that was mass produced, as 7.65 X 20 Longue. To my knowledge, no working reproductions of the Pedersen Device are available on the market.
Q4: Can I find original Mark I parts for my rifle?
A4: Yes. But parts may not be readily accessible or reasonably priced when/if found. Aside from the receiver with the Pedersen ejection port in the left bolt channel, an original Mark I is equipped with an adaptive cut-off switch and associated slotted-head and plunger-loaded spindle to lock the Pedersen Device in place. The non-serrated trigger has a dual sear function, one for firing as a normal 30-06 with the original bolt, and the other for the .30 cal pistol round (7.62X20) of the Pedersen Device. The upper rear shank of the Mark I trigger arm was milled flat to ensure consistent and smooth contact with the secondary sear arm. The two-crossbolt, grasping-groove S-stock with smooth buttplate also has a milled recess directly under the ejection port on the left side of the receiver.
During Arsenal Overhaul programs most of the specially designed cutoffs, spindles and trigger/sear assemblies were replaced with conventional parts. Stocks which were still serviceable were installed on any 1903 rifle, without regard to Mark I or standard 1903 receiver. Mark I stocks can still be found on general overhauled rifles. Small parts can still turn up on rebuilds, but with far less frequency. Loose parts can sometimes make cameo appearances in the usual places such as ebay, Gunbroker, classifieds or general parts for sale sites. But be prepared to pay. Most folks know the rarity and value of their special items.
Q5: Are there reproduction or fake parts?
A5: Yes. Stocks can have post-military cuts for the ejection port recess added by civilian owners. Some are crudely done and readily identifiable as non-arsenal, some not so much. Cutoffs and spindles have been altered and/or newly manufactured. Trigger systems are a little harder to fake, as the trigger housing/sear is uniquely shaped, but it can be duplicated by machined removal of material on a standard sear. Also note that Rock Island used a smooth trigger face. Study carefully and tread lightly.
Q6: Is a Mark I safe to shoot?
A6: Maybe, but generally yes. As with any firearm, a qualified pre-firing safety inspection and headspace check should be performed. On the receiver steel forging consistency, all Mark I receivers have serial numbers higher than the (approx.) 800,000 serial sequence at which the double heat treatment (DHT) process began in Feb 1918. Low Number receivers could be brittle, and might be unsafe to shoot.[1] High Number receivers are generally considered as safe to shoot, when passing safety inspection. Again, all Mark I rifles are High Number, and hence, DHT.
Rifle bolts could also be affected by forging consistency issues before the DHT implementation, and a bolt is the easiest part to swap on the rifle. A general rule of thumb follows that all bolts with the rearward Swept Handle received DHT, and the bulk of bolts with a Straight Handle did not receive DHT, and could be brittle. Most bolts will also have steel lot codes stamped on surfaces of the safety lug or bolt handle root. Bolts with no steel lot codes are generally early construction. Study of these codes will aid in determining whether they were built before or after DHT.[1] Please follow all safety protocol to determine if your Mark I is safe to shoot.
Q7: Is my barrel original to my receiver?
A7: Maybe. No records were kept for barrel dates and individually serial numbered receivers. Throughout Model 1903 production at Springfield Armory, there was no attempt to follow assembly in an exact sequential serial number order, nor any guarantee that barrel dates (month, year) were mated to serial numbers from the same month of construction. Receivers and barrels were produced in lots, and the parts could be randomly pulled from production bins at assembly.
Receiver numbers were also recorded only at the beginning of each year, so there is no monthly serial data available.[1] But since a yearly beginning number is known, a receiver can generally be determined as early/mid/late year production, and barrel dates which fall within a three or four month range of the estimated receiver age could reasonably be considered as an original pairing.
An unknown but significant number of Mark I rifles were subjected to rigorous period testing, and may have required barrel replacement contemporaneously with new production. Hence, we see a fair number of barreled receivers today which appear to have original finish, but with barrel dates from early to mid-1918 which significantly precede the start of Mark I receiver production in late-1918.
For the Mark I, any SA stamped barrel (Springfield Armory) which is five months or more out of the estimated receiver date, can not be determined to be (potentially) original construction. Any barrel stamped other than SA is not original. An excellent data table appears on the VI Shooter site which lists serial number and barrel dates for several hundred Springfield Armory Model 1903 rifles.[1] A look at this table, with cross-reference to the yearly starting serial, may help you decide for yourself if your barrel and receiver are an original pairing.
Q8: Was my Mark I used in battle?
A8: In The Great War, no. Mark I production began almost simultaneously with time of the Armistice to end WWI. It is possible that some Mark I rifles could have been issued in post-WWI activities with American Expeditionary Forces such as the Siberian Intervention, but near impossible to prove without direct written provenance. By the time the US entered WWII, the Springfield 1903 had been largely relegated as rear echelon, support and guard weapons, and likely did not see front line use in major battles.
References
[1] Vi Shooter, Beard, Henry http://www.vishooter.net/R03.txt
[2] Guns.com. Eger http://www.guns.com/2013/06/22/perishings-super-weapon-the-pedersen-device/
[3] Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedersen_device
[4] American Rifleman, Canfield https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2016/10/18/never-in-anger-the-pedersen-device/
