Springfield M1903 Rifle Firing Pin

Springfield M1903 bolt action rifle. The receiver is marked US ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL MODEL 1903 and the serial number. The barrel is stamped behind the fore sight with an ordnance grenade and 12-17. It has a full wood stock and top hand guard with a steel end cap that incorporates a bayonet lug. A two piece leather sling with adjuster hooks is attached to the swivels.

This rifle was donated by the US Government and is part of the uniform and equipment of a First World War infantry private that was on display in the old Uniform Gallery. The Springfield Model 1903 is one of the most famous of American rifles that served with American forces from before the First World War until the Korean campaign. It is based on the Mauser rifle which had impressed the Americans during the Spanish American War. Because the weapon was first made at the Springfield Armory, it became known as the Springfield rifle. There were several versions of the rifle including sniper variants which served with the US Marine Corps well into the 1950's. This particular example was manufactured in 1917.