The M1903 Springfield

Welcome back to our educational video series, I’m Chris. As a newly recognized world leader after the Spanish American War, the US needed a firearm that would support its newfound leadership role on the world stage. So, what firearm replaced the Krag? The US Rifle, Caliber .30, M1903 or as it is more commonly known, the M1903 Springfield.  

The US Army Ordnance Board authorized Springfield Armory to design and manufacture an experimental rifle. The new rifle was to be based on the Mauser and Krag rifles, with testing to take place in October/November of 1900. The resulting design was stronger than the Krag, cheaper to build, easier to operate and could be fitted with a Mauser-style magazine. 

However, the issue of the low-powered cartridge remained. Two other models were made and ultimately rejected before June 20, 1903, when the Ordnance Board issued their recommended changes and instructed the Springfield Armory to begin manufacturing the US Rifle, Caliber .30 Model of 1903.   

When first designed, the M1903 had a .30-cal. smokeless-powder cartridge, referred to as the .30-’03, with a round-nose 220-gr. bullet, similar to the Krag. After field testing, Roosevelt, then serving as president, shared concerns about the bayonet design. Production was halted and the bayonet and sights were redesigned. By 1905, the improvements were adopted and put into production. But again, production was halted to address advances made in bullets and powder. The final version was released in October of 1906, categorized as the .30-06 Springfield or SPRG. To decode the name, the .30 referring to the caliber of ammunition the firearm took, the “aught 6” refers to the year this version was accepted, and Springfield or SPRG references the Springfield Armory where it was developed. 

Most existing models were modified to fit the new specs. The slightly shorter dimensions of the new round required the barrel to be rechambered, which resulted in the length being reduced by 0.200″. Stocks and handguards were also shortened by 0.200″.  

This rifle became iconic and was used as the standard service rifle until 1936 and as a sniper rifle until 1975. As of production, the Army Drill team also uses this firearm in their drills. President Roosevelt who had quite a hand in influencing the final design had his M1903 as a “constant companion” while hunting big game in the American West.  

Join us next time as we take a look at the next phase of rifle development – the Lee-Enfield and the M1917.