Springfield M1903 - Your opinions about

[Bizio]

I went yesterday afternoon to the range in Somma Lombardo to test the rifle.
I had asked to a friend who owns few M1903, to reload for me some soft ammos.
This is what he did :



I started to shoot at 50 meters distance (54.7 Yards) to set the sights and set the diopter at 400. I tryed then at 100 meters distance (109.4 Yards) and after to rounds to set the diopter to 350, I shot the other 13 rounds in the 9.

I think that rifle is very accurate ad a good shooter could stay in the 10 or even in the mouche.

[Rick the Librarian]

Good shooting!

[Bizio]

Thank you, Rick the Librarian.
Anyway I am just a beginner rifle shooter.

I am reading a book "The Collectable '03" by J.C. Harrison.
According the book the M1905 Sight for a rifle SA come out of factory in 1913 should be Type 2 since from 1909. Both the elevation knob and windage knob (.575" diameter) should be both grooved from 1909 to 1914.
I checked my 1913 rifle and it has a windage knob .575" diameter but both the knobs are not grooved and look like Type 3 instead but not in the size, since in the picture the Type 3 windage knob seems of a larger diameter.

What do you think about ?
Are both sight knobs of your 1913 rifle grooved ?
Thank you.

[Chuckindenver]

put harrisons down, and enjoy your rifle.
no such thing as type 1 type 2 ect..
Harrison made {type} for his books, they have nothing to do with the actual discription of a part.

[Bizio]

OK, will do that, thank you.

[Chuckindenver]

you have a nice rifle, with genuine wear of a service rifle, i wouldnt change a thing other then running ammo down the tube...safe shooting.

[Rick the Librarian]

I agree with Chuck ... Harrison's "Type" descriptions were his own idea. All it does is cause confusion. Just describe the part (which you did). I think the windage knob and sight binding screw, if "dished" but without a "groove" on the outside, is well within the "margin of error, as well.

My M1903, a 554,131, also has a non-grooved windage knob.

[Bizio]

Thank You for your answers and your help.

[Fred G.]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with the grips on your bayonet! They're in a LOT better shape than the beat up and splintered ones for sale on eBay. They're original to the bayonet. Why would you think that the marks are fake???? They look Correct to me. You'd better keep them. "If It ain't broke, dont fix it."

[Bizio]

Well, from other post I understood that those marks, "USN" on one grip and the anchor on the other grip, could be stamped in the wood by a former owner or seller ... that's why I thought they were possibly a fake.
I will keep them as they are, and I agree, "If It ain't broke, dont fix it."
Thanks.