M1903 Springfield rifle

The M1903 Springfield rifle was the standard U.S. caliber .30-06 infantry weapon of the First World War. It is a bolt-operated, magazine fed weapon with an excellent reputation for accuracy. M1903s remained in use for sniper rifles well into the Second World War, and "star gauge" rifles that meet close inspection standards are still used in target competition.

Its fairly slow rate of fire and small magazine made it obsolescent under WWII conditions. It was both advantageous and disadvantageous that its standard bullet weighed 173 grains, in contrast with the 154 grain bullet of the M1 Garand rifle of WWII. The heavier round had superior ballistics and range, but these were less likely to be needed in short range, high-speed combat than WWI trench warfare. A 154 grain round was also available for the Springfield.

To solve the magazine size problem, the Pedersen Device was invented, although considered highly secret. It replaced the bolt handle with a large magazine holder and allowed longer continuous fire.

Springfields remain valuable to collectors, and, with suitable modifications, as hunting rifles.