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Item No.:	10837	Price :	$995.00
Item :	U.S. SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1903 MARK I RIFLE, .30-06

Description :

This is an original, U.S. Springfield Model 1903 Mark I Rifle manufactured in 1919 and chambered for the .30-06 Government cartridge. The Mark I variant of the '03 Rifle was modified from the original configuration to allow use of the Pedersen Device. The Pedersen device allowed the bolt action rifle to be converted to a semi-automatic weapon firing a .30 caliber pistol cartridge. This increased the firepower of the individual soldier fighting in the trenches. Production of the device and modification of Springfield rifles began in 1918, but the war ended before any were sent to Europe. When the project was canceled on March 1, 1919, 65,00 Pedersen Devices had been made, and 101,775 rifles had been modified. The devices, magazines, cartridges, and modified rifles were placed into storage. They were declared surplus in 1931, and the devices were destroyed to keep them out of the hands of villains. A few were allowed to be kept by the Ordnance Department. It is believed that fewer than 100 survive today. The Pedersen Device fired a special .30-18 Auto (7.65x20mm Lozenge) cartridge from a 40-round box magazine. They are extremely rare. The modified Mark I rifles were refurbished in WWII and used as standard '03 rifles. This rifle is one of those Mark I variations. It can be distinguished by the markings and the oval ejection port cut into the left side of the receiver. It is in fine condition. It was refurbished for WWII and has a black parkerized finish. It retains nearly all of that finish. There was some light pitting in some areas, and the finish was applied over the pitting. The rifle has excellent mechanics with a WWII replacement bolt. The bore is fair. It is dark and textured. The rifling does remain visible along the bore's length. The stock is in fine condition with a "RA-P" re-inspection/rebuild stamp. There are a few small dings and scratches from use. This is a good example of a Mark I put back in service as a regular rifle. Stock no. 32813

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