Born from the failures of the older Springfield Model 1892–99 Krag–Jørgensen in battles during the Spanish-American War, the newer Mauser-action derived Springfield M1903 service rifle would go on to serve the U.S. military in WWI, WWII and even the Korean conflict.
This 1944 technical manual is not for users, but is rather a repair/maintenance manual for use by ordnance specialists. Every component of the rifle is outlined in great depth, from the sights to the barrel and even the bayonets used. Illustrated with copious fine-detailed photos and diagrams, it describes how to maintain or repair every aspect of each sub-component of the rifle.
No detail is left out. There is even an additional section on special maintenance for long-term storage or veryhot/very cold climates. If you own a vintage M1903 Springfield of any model this is the book you will want to own. A terrific resource for the historian or for those with in interest in military arms.
Paragraph One in the manual states,
"...contains detailed instructions for disassembly, assembly, inspection, maintenance, and repair of the materiel listed below. Additional descriptive matter and illustrations are included to aid in providing a complete working knowledge of the materiel. These instructions are supplementary to those in Field Manuals and Technical Manuals prepared for the using arms.
- Rifle, U. S., cal. .30, M1903
- Rifle, U. S., cal. .30, M1903A1
- Rifle, U. S., cal. .30, M 1903 A3
- Rifle, U. S., cal. .30, M1903A4
(Snipers)
- Sight, telescopic, M73B1
(Weaver No. 330 C)
- Bayonet, M1905
- Bayonet, M1
- Scabbard, bayonet, M3
- Scabbard, bayonet, M1910
- Scabbard, bayonet, M7
- Sling, gun, M1907
- Sling, gun, M1
- Cover, front sight"