Rifleman Q&A: M1903 vs. M1903A1 Rifles

by
posted on December 2, 2022
M1903 M1903A1 Stocks

Q. I’ve seen references to an M1903A1 rifle. I’ve looked around at a bunch of gun shows, and I have not found a rifle marked “M1903A1.” How does that variant differ from a standard M1903 rifle?


A. In 1929, a full-pistol grip (Type C) stock was standardized to replace the previous straight grip (Type S) stock for the M1903 rifle. Upon adoption of this new pattern stock, the rifle’s designation was changed to “M1903A1.” The primary reason for the adoption of the Type C stock was for use with the National Match ’03 rifles, as the new stock was more conducive to better marksmanship.

The new Type C stock was used on National Match and service rifles made from 1929 until M1903 rifle production ceased at Springfield Armory in the late 1930s. The only substantive difference from the earlier M1903 rifles was the full pistol grip (Type C) stock; the receivers were still marked “Model 1903.” Officially, the U.S. military considered any M1903 rifle fitted with a Type C stock as a M1903A1. This includes rifles that were originally made with Type S stocks but subsequently retrofitted with Type C stocks.

The M1903A1 rifles made at Springfield Armory from the end of 1929 until the late 1930s that are still in their original factory configuration are quite uncommon and are highly valued by collectors. On the other hand, those ’03s subsequently fitted with replacement Type C stocks are quite common today, and their value is typically little different from any other type of overhauled ’03, assuming a comparable degree of originality and condition.

—Bruce N. Canfield


This “Questions & Answers” was featured in the January 2007 issue of American Rifleman. At time of publication, "Questions & Answers" was compiled by Staff, Ballistics Editor William C. Davis, Jr., and Contributing Editors: David Andrews, Hugh C. Birnbaum, Bruce N. Canfield, O. Reid Coffield, Charles Q. Cutshaw, Charles M. Fagg, Angus Laidlaw, Evan P. Marshall, Charles E. Petty, Robert B. Pomeranz, O.D., Jon R. Sundra, Jim Supica, A.W.F. Taylerson, John M. Taylor and John W. Treakle.

To subscribe to the magazine, visit the NRA membership page and select American Rifleman as your member magazine.

Latest

Jacob Dickert Rifle (1)
Jacob Dickert Rifle (1)

A Riflemaking Mecca—Lancaster County, Pa.

Lancaster County was the center of longrifle manufacturing for several decades and as such, offered employment for a great number of workers and saw the rise of great names in riflemaking. No real assemblage of early American firearms is complete without Lancaster-made rifles.

New For 2023: Walther Arms PD380

Walther rolled out its PD380 late in 2023, updating the company's previous PK380 handguns with design details borrowed from its popular PDP series of pistols.

Preview: Scent Thief 24-oz. Field Spray

For centuries, hunters have made remarkable advances to help them close the gap on their intended quarry, whether it be thoughtful camouflaging or well-contrived products and tactics.

Gun Of The Week: KFI Firearms Impala Plus NERO

Watch American Rifleman staff on the range in this week's video to see the details of the semi-automatic Impala Plus NERO shotgun, an affordable design with a dependable, proven action.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 8, 2023

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR)

Christensen Arms' Modern Hunting rifle is the company's latest bolt-action, designed to be easily customizable and made for use in the outdoors.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.