The Garand is very picky about ammo. Too powerful and you can bend the operating rod. 150 grain bullet over 45-50 grains of IMR 4895 replicates the M2 Ball cartridge pretty well, and is safe to shoot in a Garand. Do so at your own risk, of course. The Springfield and 1917 Enfield have very, very strong actions, and can handle anything.
Oh, and the 1917 and Springfield are different designs, both with actions based on the Mauser. So, different, yet similar.
how much does a 1903 cost ive been trying to find it as my first purchased gun. ive fired a 30-60 and i love the kick and a couple of 12. guages. and a handful 45. acps
Its always got to be a Marine thing. They hit at this far, deadliest thing is a Marine and his rifle. If I remember right in WWI, the greatest shooting feat was by Sgt. Alvin York, ARMY and he was in the 82nd Infantry, later to be the eighty deuce.
@SimpleStuff31 the Springfield '03 sights are graduated out past 2000 yards, and the rear aperature of an 03A3 is adjustable, for both windage and elevation, but I can't recall how far out-maybe 1000? And keep in mind-the rifle is pretty much always capable of hitting something at that distance-it's the nut behind the but that makes the difference
Marines in WWI hit and killed Germans at 700 yards useing this rifle. It's still that good today if in the hands of a man that know's what he's doing. Take the time to learn and you can hit out to 1,000 yards with this rifle . I took mine out that far one time. I got 5 shots in a 6inch group. Even if your not a distance shooter a 1903 is a wonderful rifle to go pop bottles with, or hunt, or just have fun with .
@Herbymac0811 Thanks! and all true, although I believe you are referring to the 1903, and not the 1903-a3. The a3 wasn’t produced until WWII, the 1903 was the US rifle used in WWI.
Also regarding the 1903, the Marines also were issued the 1903 during the WWII battle for Guadalcanal; the same feats of incredible marksmanship were documented there as well. Few things are more lethal than a US Marine with his rifle.
@mag30th I spoke to an old Marine who was at the "Canal". He told me the Japanese knew exactly where they were because of their smoke. The American ammo gave off a lot of smoke compared to the Japanese and the Germans at the time. This was also verified by Don Burgetts account in his book "As Eagles Screamed". I also have a mint 03a3 which is a thumper compared to my Garand. I like the Thunder you left in the hills there. No wonder the Indians called rifles "Thunder Sticks" !
@9010814r Yes is completly possable with open sights. People do it every year out to 1,000 yards at the National Matches at Camp Perry. Useing 1903's, M1's, and M14's. The Marines did it in WW1 from 700yards away with iron sights and hit time after time. . So yes it can be done with iron sight's......bro !
How the heck can you even see what you're shooting at? I have trouble seeing a target at 200 yrds. Props to you and anyone else who can shoot such long distances with iron sights.
superior? not always, yes the Enfield had a bolt that could cycle rounds faster, and a 10 round magazine! but... the Springfield is lighter, i think it is also shorter more compact, has a muzzle velocity of 2,800+fps and is more accurate. also some variants where equipped with 25 round magazines but those where rare, also it has a gun sight that can be adjusted for windage and such.
It is more accurate than a m1903, having a longer barrel, protected sights (if your m1903 falls to the ground the rear sight will bend for sure) , fastest action and a more accessible safety.
It is heavier though, but we're still talking about a ww1 bolt action rifle that needs more long range capability than portability. The ww1 american soldier was mostly equipped with the p17 instead of the m1903.
however... your right, when i read "Enfield" on wiki i thought you where talking about the Enfield used during WWII has a 6 round magazine, and different sights. but since it has practically the same build as most American rifles! and fires practically the same cartridge! its pretty much a modified Springfield! according to wiki it is also sometimes called the "American Enfield" probably why US troops used it so much during WWI
I reload for my 03A3..I use 57 grains of IMR-4350 and a 165 grain Hornidy boattail bullet,,,VERY accurate and I have taken many many white tails with that load, some way way out there. I love all the '03s, great rifles. I also have a very early '03, dated 1909 that I am restoring
At 200 yards with the orig. iron sights, it could hold a four-inch group. The trigger pull is sooo smooth, I love it.
I am curious about the similarities of my rifle compared to yours.
My barrel has six grooves, the barrel is welded in two spots to the receiver, and there is a blowback hole on the left side of the receiver. Would you know, what if anything do these features say about this rifle?
The other Rifles won't be touched, the rifle he was turning into a sporter is being finished because of his love of God and Country and he also loved us kids like we were his.
theres techincally no difference in accuracy, its the same rifle, just different sight system. It all boils down to what the shooter prefers. I like the 1903 rear sight better than the A3, its a highly adjustible platform. Others who are more used to shooting M1s or like the peep sights will probably be more attracted to the A3
Thats what I figured. I like the peep sights on my M1. I saw a few 03a3s for $500 at a gun show a while back. I decided to buy a Kar98k but I wish I got the m1903 instead. But once I buy the 03 I will have both which solves the problem.
What did the A3 designation mean? Was it a rifle built by a company other than Springfield? I know someone who has several, and IIRC, one was made by GM and another by Singer Sewing Machine. BTW, you are one deadly shooter!!
The 1903a3 is the model. The a3 uses peep sights like the m1 Garand. Springfield Armory actually never built the a3 as far as I know. It was built by Remington, Smith Corona and I think Winchester.
Only Remington and Smith Corona Typewriter built 03-A3's. Winchester manufactured M1917's in WW1 and M1 Carbines in WW2. GM also strictly built M1 Carbines. Singer Sewing Machine made an educational production of 500 M1911A1 pistols. Thats as far as they went with firearms. BTW impressive shooting!
I'm interested to hear people's opinions on this since I've heard arguments going both ways. Which is more accurate (both rifles being non-scoped): the 1903 or the Schmidt-Rubin K31?
the springfield, is in my opintion, much better, it has a higher muzzle volocity than the k31, a longer range, people think just beacuse its american that is garbage, but i would take a springfield over any bolt action rifle, beacuse its just accurate and powerful, look, this guy is hitting a steel plate from over 600 yards away, with open sights, and the springfield is reliable too. everyone has there opinion on what rifle is the best, but the springfield 03 is my personal favorite bolt rifle.
As far as power goes....just about all the rounds used, 30-06, 8mm mauser, 7.62x54R, .303 Brit, 7.5 french, were roughly the same. a center mass shot from any of them almost guarenteed death. But I'm guessing the 8mm and 30-06 were probably the most powerful.
strickendownHA, where specifically did I say that the Springfield didnt fire .30-06 rounds, maybe your brains a little scrambled because I dont see where I said otherwise!
Great video, you can actually see the bullets going down range. My dad used to compete military shooting compitions with a 03 a3 springfield they are realy great gun's. (excuse my spelling)
True, So True...men fighting for democracy, With 1903's & Enfields & Even Mauser's...bayonets attached...And even the great commie guns like the Mosin Nagant...Not the AK though, not for me, an SKS is allright, but I don't like the spray and pray concept of the AK...
the reason the AK is built like it is, is partly because of russias military doctrine. they are infantry supported armor. the US is armor supported infantry.
man you are an excelent shot. i have never attempted shooting that far. the range i go to is only 300 yards max. it sounded pretty windy to. i hope to the an 03 and an m1 but being only 18 making minimum wage its not gonna happen any time soon.
The Garand is very picky about ammo. Too powerful and you can bend the operating rod. 150 grain bullet over 45-50 grains of IMR 4895 replicates the M2 Ball cartridge pretty well, and is safe to shoot in a Garand. Do so at your own risk, of course. The Springfield and 1917 Enfield have very, very strong actions, and can handle anything.
Oh, and the 1917 and Springfield are different designs, both with actions based on the Mauser. So, different, yet similar.
Slickdapj 2 months ago
how much does a 1903 cost ive been trying to find it as my first purchased gun. ive fired a 30-60 and i love the kick and a couple of 12. guages. and a handful 45. acps
Medivac12 8 months ago
is there a permanent fix to the loose rear sight problem on the A3s?
bigbadnewman 9 months ago
Its always got to be a Marine thing. They hit at this far, deadliest thing is a Marine and his rifle. If I remember right in WWI, the greatest shooting feat was by Sgt. Alvin York, ARMY and he was in the 82nd Infantry, later to be the eighty deuce.
Gundog10mm 10 months ago
Do you have to run surplus 30-06 through an 03a3? Or can you run commercial ammo through it too?
bjpw1234 11 months ago
are the versions of this rifle with a 2 groove bore still as accurate as the rifles with the standard 4 groove ?
idgewe 1 year ago
Fine shooting inded, but isn't the 03A3 the Remington, not the Springfield ?
isisncasey 1 year ago
That's some damn fine shooting, my friend.
isisncasey 1 year ago
do all versions of the 1903 have the ability to have the really high sitting adjustable sights that theyd use for distance?
SimpleStuff31 1 year ago
@SimpleStuff31 the Springfield '03 sights are graduated out past 2000 yards, and the rear aperature of an 03A3 is adjustable, for both windage and elevation, but I can't recall how far out-maybe 1000? And keep in mind-the rifle is pretty much always capable of hitting something at that distance-it's the nut behind the but that makes the difference
txstang84 1 year ago
Marines in WWI hit and killed Germans at 700 yards useing this rifle. It's still that good today if in the hands of a man that know's what he's doing. Take the time to learn and you can hit out to 1,000 yards with this rifle . I took mine out that far one time. I got 5 shots in a 6inch group. Even if your not a distance shooter a 1903 is a wonderful rifle to go pop bottles with, or hunt, or just have fun with .
Herbymac0811 1 year ago
@Herbymac0811 Thanks! and all true, although I believe you are referring to the 1903, and not the 1903-a3. The a3 wasn’t produced until WWII, the 1903 was the US rifle used in WWI.
Also regarding the 1903, the Marines also were issued the 1903 during the WWII battle for Guadalcanal; the same feats of incredible marksmanship were documented there as well. Few things are more lethal than a US Marine with his rifle.
mag30th 1 year ago
@mag30th Oh I know the history of the Marines with this weapon =)
I am a Marine ! And we love aimed fire .
As for the Springfield I agree completly, it's an awsome rifle to own and fire .
Herbymac0811 1 year ago
@mag30th I spoke to an old Marine who was at the "Canal". He told me the Japanese knew exactly where they were because of their smoke. The American ammo gave off a lot of smoke compared to the Japanese and the Germans at the time. This was also verified by Don Burgetts account in his book "As Eagles Screamed". I also have a mint 03a3 which is a thumper compared to my Garand. I like the Thunder you left in the hills there. No wonder the Indians called rifles "Thunder Sticks" !
icemelongreen 3 months ago
@Herbymac0811 ha not with open sights bro. thats really good with a modern rifle and a scope.
9010814r 1 year ago
@9010814r Yes is completly possable with open sights. People do it every year out to 1,000 yards at the National Matches at Camp Perry. Useing 1903's, M1's, and M14's. The Marines did it in WW1 from 700yards away with iron sights and hit time after time. . So yes it can be done with iron sight's......bro !
Herbymac0811 1 year ago
Funny how your vid is linked to LIFESHIELD Home Security whose main selling point is living in fear of intruders.
alpha18412 1 year ago
I use 168/H-IMR4064 @48 TO 52 gr...dead on with my Remington 03.
keefer2111 1 year ago
@keefer2111 Also a good load for the M1. 168 Gr Sierra over 48 Gr of IMR4064
soloban81 1 year ago
How the heck can you even see what you're shooting at? I have trouble seeing a target at 200 yrds. Props to you and anyone else who can shoot such long distances with iron sights.
Then again, maybe i just need glasses...
NKdude 1 year ago
damn fine shooting
lsweik 1 year ago
real nice!
58belvedere 1 year ago
I was told by my grand father that the 1903A3 was called the weapon of silent death by the north Koreans. I love shooting mine.
boiseboiserahrahrah 1 year ago
p17 is superior to the m1903 anyway. But m1903 is a very nice rifle.
TheBelva85 1 year ago
@TheBelva85
superior? not always, yes the Enfield had a bolt that could cycle rounds faster, and a 10 round magazine! but... the Springfield is lighter, i think it is also shorter more compact, has a muzzle velocity of 2,800+fps and is more accurate. also some variants where equipped with 25 round magazines but those where rare, also it has a gun sight that can be adjusted for windage and such.
angryace13 11 months ago
@angryace13 P17 isn't an Enfield rifle!
It shoots 30 06 ammo and holds 6 rounds!
It is more accurate than a m1903, having a longer barrel, protected sights (if your m1903 falls to the ground the rear sight will bend for sure) , fastest action and a more accessible safety.
It is heavier though, but we're still talking about a ww1 bolt action rifle that needs more long range capability than portability. The ww1 american soldier was mostly equipped with the p17 instead of the m1903.
TheBelva85 11 months ago
@TheBelva85
the P-17? do you mean M1917 Enfield?
however... your right, when i read "Enfield" on wiki i thought you where talking about the Enfield used during WWII has a 6 round magazine, and different sights. but since it has practically the same build as most American rifles! and fires practically the same cartridge! its pretty much a modified Springfield! according to wiki it is also sometimes called the "American Enfield" probably why US troops used it so much during WWI
angryace13 11 months ago
I reload for my 03A3..I use 57 grains of IMR-4350 and a 165 grain Hornidy boattail bullet,,,VERY accurate and I have taken many many white tails with that load, some way way out there. I love all the '03s, great rifles. I also have a very early '03, dated 1909 that I am restoring
nocrap62 1 year ago
Hi Mag30th,
I have a 1903/A3 Smith-Corona from1943.
It is shooter, not a collector.
At 200 yards with the orig. iron sights, it could hold a four-inch group. The trigger pull is sooo smooth, I love it.
I am curious about the similarities of my rifle compared to yours.
My barrel has six grooves, the barrel is welded in two spots to the receiver, and there is a blowback hole on the left side of the receiver. Would you know, what if anything do these features say about this rifle?
Thank you
Theesnapper 1 year ago
excellent shot!
NicR94 2 years ago
that's a crazy long distance for open sights!!!! PROPS!!!
brutedude1 2 years ago
My uncle left us a bunch of Garands(4)
and (6) Springfields the rule was hands off but there were two Springfields with
drill holes for peepsights.
I got 1 torn down and being tricked out.
Jeweled,blue printed its sweet.
keefer2111 2 years ago
that's terrible. why would you tear apart a vintage rifle. buy a .30-06 from walmart then tear it apart... not a m1903
brutedude1 2 years ago 2
He started this project a long time ago.
The other Rifles won't be touched, the rifle he was turning into a sporter is being finished because of his love of God and Country and he also loved us kids like we were his.
keefer2111 2 years ago
What kind of load did you use for this video?
disturbedone5009 2 years ago
If I recall correctly it was 168 grain match with H4895 powder, I dont recall the load.
mag30th 2 years ago
Oh ok. I missed that clip in the video.
disturbedone5009 2 years ago
No prob! Are you relaoding for a 30.06 bolt action or a Garand? I have some great data for the Garand.
mag30th 2 years ago
I have a '56 M1 Garand. I haven't started reloading yet but any data for the Garand would be awesome.
disturbedone5009 2 years ago
@mag30th Would love to get some tips from you on loading for the M1 Garand!
keanematthews 2 months ago
@mag30th I got that load memorized for my M1. 168 Gr Sierra Boat tail soft points over 49 Grains IMR4895, CCI BR-2 or LR primers.
soloban81 1 year ago
Doesnt the Corona produced springfield possess 4 rifling grooves instead of the normal 2?
kvolt44 2 years ago
Which is more accurate the 1903 or 03a3?
disturbedone5009 2 years ago
theres techincally no difference in accuracy, its the same rifle, just different sight system. It all boils down to what the shooter prefers. I like the 1903 rear sight better than the A3, its a highly adjustible platform. Others who are more used to shooting M1s or like the peep sights will probably be more attracted to the A3
sgtcombat 2 years ago
Thats what I figured. I like the peep sights on my M1. I saw a few 03a3s for $500 at a gun show a while back. I decided to buy a Kar98k but I wish I got the m1903 instead. But once I buy the 03 I will have both which solves the problem.
disturbedone5009 2 years ago
What did the A3 designation mean? Was it a rifle built by a company other than Springfield? I know someone who has several, and IIRC, one was made by GM and another by Singer Sewing Machine. BTW, you are one deadly shooter!!
3rdconfederate 2 years ago
The 1903a3 is the model. The a3 uses peep sights like the m1 Garand. Springfield Armory actually never built the a3 as far as I know. It was built by Remington, Smith Corona and I think Winchester.
disturbedone5009 2 years ago
Only Remington and Smith Corona Typewriter built 03-A3's. Winchester manufactured M1917's in WW1 and M1 Carbines in WW2. GM also strictly built M1 Carbines. Singer Sewing Machine made an educational production of 500 M1911A1 pistols. Thats as far as they went with firearms. BTW impressive shooting!
sgtcombat 2 years ago
Thats what I thought.
disturbedone5009 2 years ago
While you having a Smith-Corona A3 is impressive in it's own right, the most impressive part is that it was made in 1943.
majorporpoise 2 years ago
I'm interested to hear people's opinions on this since I've heard arguments going both ways. Which is more accurate (both rifles being non-scoped): the 1903 or the Schmidt-Rubin K31?
turb05 2 years ago
The K-31 hands down in my opinion..
mag30th 2 years ago
the springfield, is in my opintion, much better, it has a higher muzzle volocity than the k31, a longer range, people think just beacuse its american that is garbage, but i would take a springfield over any bolt action rifle, beacuse its just accurate and powerful, look, this guy is hitting a steel plate from over 600 yards away, with open sights, and the springfield is reliable too. everyone has there opinion on what rifle is the best, but the springfield 03 is my personal favorite bolt rifle.
angryace13 2 years ago 8
Damn ur the man that shot would be hard wit a scope much less iron sights
Dragunovluv 2 years ago
As far as power goes....just about all the rounds used, 30-06, 8mm mauser, 7.62x54R, .303 Brit, 7.5 french, were roughly the same. a center mass shot from any of them almost guarenteed death. But I'm guessing the 8mm and 30-06 were probably the most powerful.
JNT20 2 years ago
the sprinfield 03 was one of the most powerful rifles of ww1 and ww2
angryace13 2 years ago 3
U DUMB ASS THEY ALL SHOT 30-06/ 45.
strickendownHA 2 years ago
No, only the US used the 30.06, and it was the most powerful round of WWI and WWII.
mag30th 2 years ago
the tomy shot the 45
strickendownHA 2 years ago 2
strickendownHA, where specifically did I say that the Springfield didnt fire .30-06 rounds, maybe your brains a little scrambled because I dont see where I said otherwise!
angryace13 2 years ago
i can get a 3 shot group without a scope at 500 yards with my remington 03a3 30 cal.
zapper0000000 2 years ago 2
put a scope on it 4 the love of god !
ryanperry90 2 years ago
Parris Island is Marine Corps boot camp by the way. I was there.
IcEbRiCk319 2 years ago
Great video, you can actually see the bullets going down range. My dad used to compete military shooting compitions with a 03 a3 springfield they are realy great gun's. (excuse my spelling)
JimTheMingebag 2 years ago
Oh really i didint know that i thought it was when the accuracy starts to drop off...
theveteransniper 2 years ago
"effective range" is just an estimation of how far the average shooter will be able to make "sure enough" shots.
The TRUE effective range of ANY gun is determined by the shooter.
BoltActions 3 years ago 2
just out of curiosity, where did you learn to shoot?
tastethefreedom 3 years ago
Probably Parris Island.
captainporpoise 3 years ago
where do you get steel plates
bf3pwner 3 years ago
Serious shootin! 5/5!
StantheGunman 3 years ago 3
Tell that to the marines in WW1. they popped germans at 800 yards. that was when war was fought by real men, not idiots with ak's.
ramberghini 3 years ago 13
Real war is fought by men in hand-to-hand combat you ass.
TheCandleBrother 3 years ago
not so much...
1320crusier 2 years ago
I was drunk when I typed that, haha. yeh actually I would agree with the guy I said that too.
TheCandleBrother 2 years ago
True, So True...men fighting for democracy, With 1903's & Enfields & Even Mauser's...bayonets attached...And even the great commie guns like the Mosin Nagant...Not the AK though, not for me, an SKS is allright, but I don't like the spray and pray concept of the AK...
rwaggs62 3 years ago 2
Perris Island or Camp Pendleton...surely.
rwaggs62 3 years ago
the reason the AK is built like it is, is partly because of russias military doctrine. they are infantry supported armor. the US is armor supported infantry.
1320crusier 2 years ago
man you are an excelent shot. i have never attempted shooting that far. the range i go to is only 300 yards max. it sounded pretty windy to. i hope to the an 03 and an m1 but being only 18 making minimum wage its not gonna happen any time soon.
disturbedone5009 3 years ago
forget recoil, how can you see that far?
ctford27 3 years ago
I cant read at all without glasses, but my vision at distance is above average. Odd trade-off... :-)
mag30th 3 years ago
you are kidding or? that is really a odd trade off but you are making good use of it! :-)
Sideshowbobx 2 years ago
mag30th, you are one of the sharpest shots i have ever seen in my entire life XD. i wish i owned a springfield DX
angryace13 2 years ago
Almost double, a 30-30 is about 12 "felt" foot pounds, the 03 is about 18-20, depending on the load.
mag30th 3 years ago
very cool
1kperday 3 years ago
01:13 you can see the bullet in flight! Good shooting.
recruit71 3 years ago
Great shooting
richmossi12 3 years ago