'03's in movie TAPS - 1981

[VeeVee]

Some '03's and an A3 in this 1981 movie titled TAPS, where Tom Cruise and Sean Penn first made their movie debut. Synthetic stock drill rifles? Looks like the front sight blades are gone too.

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[CapnJohn]

My son went to Valley Forge Military Academy, Wayne,PA, in 1987-89 and they had the '03s, no firing pins. That's where this movie was filmed. The barracks where the machine gun fire was located was scrubbed after the movie was filmed, you could still see the remnants.

[VeeVee]

Here are the real cadets from the Memorial Day parade 2 weeks ago. I live in the area. The color guard looks like they have garands now.

[Lancebear]

Hey Vee,

Thanks for the photo but those rifles might be M1917's? Hate to rain on the "Parade", but then again I could be wrong. Take a look at the rifle on the far left, looks like long wood on top and sight ears.

LB

[VeeVee]

Hmm... but the front sights are blades, not those with guard "ears" like the 1917 and M1.

[Lancebear]

Hey VeeVee,

Take another look at the far left rifle. The handguard is right up against the receiver ring. Can't be an '03, there's no room for the rear sight. Not your fault...not a very clear photo.

LB

[Arisaka99]

A mix of 03A3s and some doctored 03s.

[Lancebear]

Hey VeeVee,

Sorry, I screwed up. Don't have any A3's. Messed up.

LB