My grandad was a ww1 marine and he brought his home. My mother's brother sold it in the 80s to buy budweiser and pot. It still makes me sick.

I love shooting mine and recently stocked up on ammo. Great fun.

I have my grandpa's 03 that l treasure. I take it out for deer at least once a year. Two years ago l shot a 9 point, it still working great.

Ballistol seems to work fine. It's all I've used on the SKS, Mosin, & AK for years now after shooting corrosive ammo.

First time I ever had the opportunity to go deer hunting my buddy and his father carried their Remington 700 variants and gave me an old Springfield 1903 with iron sights they’d had for years. The night before going out I walked myself through disassembling, cleaning, and re-assembling the rifle from a book my friend’s dad gave me and made sure the action was silky smooth. Shot my first deer with the very first shot I took that next morning up in the mountains. Missed the heart (was my first time firing the rifle, recoil was significantly more than I’d anticipated, and the deer was about 90 yards away) but nailed the deer’s spine at the base of its neck and luckily that did the job. Deer jumped straight up into the air like a rocket, hit the ground on its side like a stone, convulsed for a few seconds and then was still. Hell of an accurate rifle and an incredibly powerful round.

Thanks. This is a nice rifle, but I still struggle with the sights. I'd forgotten how small and almost invisible to me they are. I got it out this past weekend, not for a video, but just to plink some with. I looked down the sights and was reminded of how badly I need to change them out or something. I hate to mess with the original rear sight, but it is SO hard for me to pick up. After shooting the Swedish Mauser, this problem with the 1903 is even more obvious and frustrating to me.

that beginning was extremely satisfying to watch

Hickok45: “More knowledge; maybe more than you wanted” Audience: PREACH YOU BEAUTIFUL BASTARD!!!!

I've got one, 83 years old and used during WW2. It's a bit heavy, kicks like a mule, and is damn accurate without a scope. Before things got exotic after Vietnam , this was the sniper rifle we used from WW1 all the way to Vietnam in those early years in the '60's. With that pop up sight, and a good trained sniper, This was dead on accurate at 100 yards. The actor Barry Pepper's character in "Saving Private Ryan" used one.

It’s crazy how soldiers equipped with this 5 round, bolt action rifle were expected to go against fully automatic machine guns head on.

First time I shot a 1903, I had the buttstock on my collar bone, never did that again

Especially loved this 1903 Springfield vid because you pulled the trigger after the bayonet made partial penetration into the mellon, an action shown in old war movies over the years....Those are movies...you did it real time......When I cant be with a buddy on the range..I bring up your vids...and I don't even have weapons to clean after your done. You vids are fun and they teach, many thanks Hick

I get a lot of recommendations for brain surgery, for some reason, but I've not thought much about eye surgery. :-)

This gun is an absolute DREAM to shoot! I ran through 80 rounds right away because I got so caught up in it! I also own a Mosin Nagant and a K98 and I get bored after about 20 rounds. Granted, at the end of the day, I had two large bruises on my shoulder and chest, but that's what awesome does to the human body.

Easily one of best,most informative firearm videos on KZfaq. What an absolute beauty. I am also wanting one made by Springfield so I will just check local shops and gun shows until the right one comes along. Just an excellent video. Thanks a million.

I just bought one. It’s beautiful! The history behind it. What a legend.

Yes, they are generally okay to use again.

26:30 best part

What a wonderful presentation of the 03 sir. You are absolutely correct about this weapon being used in the south Pacific. My grandfather carried a bar and slung an o3 in the south Pacific. Saipan, Bougainville and Guam where he was wounded. He got to bring his 03 springfield home. He showed me all about the gun. I got to touch his weapon from ww2. Yes it it a beauty. Watching you fire this weapon bought back so many memories. Thank you sir so much.

I usually catch your channel to catch various pistols being fired. I like your presentation style, casual but obviously well-informed and impartial. Very well done. I have, in storage at a friend's home in my home state of PA, (I've been living in Thailand for the past 20 years) an original 1903 Springfield, made at the Springfield plant, serial number in the 880k range, meaning it was made AFTER the introduction of the double-heat-treating process. I hope I live long enough to make another trip home so I can sell it, as I have no son to leave it to. It was carried through the German campaign by my stepfather, who retired as a CSM. He brought home 3, and gave this one to me for my 16th birthday (I'm 64). I totally stripped it once, and gave it a 'surgical' level cleaning, and re-linseeded the stock. Action is tighter than a bank-vault, (carried a lot, shot a little) and yet slick as wet ice. It even still has the cylindrical cleaning kit in the stock. If I can make it home, I hope I can find someone to give me an honest appraisal of it's value. Great vid, thanks for sharing!

When my grandfather got back from WW2, he ordered a Springfield and an Enfield and they both came in huge blocks of cosmoline. I find that pretty hilarious thinking of him cleaning all of that up.

It went to charity, The Wound Warriors Project. That was before we knew about their aversion to associating with firearms businesses and such. Still, it did some good.

The things You do for us people! Thanks! And the history lessons is the best! Thanks Hickok45.

Awesome rifle! thanks for a very thorough review. I have my M1 Garand and shooting that rifle is very humbling. Coming home from the range with my shoulder turned purple is a bitter sweet experience that I love to do over and over again LoL

Those sights were intended for 18 year old eyes . :-) God bless Wyr

Had a great uncle who fought in WWI using M1903. I was impressed that they had to qual shooting moving targets i.e. vehicles, bi-planes and running Krauts! War Dept.'s FM23-10 is what Army/Marines used teaching recruits before they shipped off to France.

Hickok, you put up some of the best videos! I gotta say, I'm pretty jealous of all these good looking guns you shoot! once again, awesome videos! keep it up!

Thanks Hickok45! I really enjoy all of your videos.

Most beautiful bolt gun ever made. This will always be my favorite gun. It is enchanting. Love it. I just wish they were the same price as other comparable surplus bolt guns. $99 for a 91/30, $200 for a Mauser, $600 for a Springfield, at least.

I just recently purchased that book but have not read it yet. Thanks for the reminder to dig it out.

Mr Hickok45, you sir just have too much fun and I am jealous!!! Thanks for all the videos, information, education, and entertainment!! Keep up the good work sir :-)

Ive been waiting for an 03 springfield video. Great work, keep it up and we'll keep enjoying it.

The 03 Springfield was the weapon we drilled with in military academy. I was armory sgt and color guard. The two rifles for our squad I hand rubbed the stocks with tongue oil. They were beautiful and the finest looking in the entire battalion inventory. Almost 40 years later I can still see my weapon #285 when I close me eyes.

I've always just stayed with Ballistol for cleaning after using corrosive ammo in my SKS, AK, Mosin, etc. Anything else could neutralize the protective curing I've developed by using nothing else but it.

Awesome video and they just keep getting better. Really like the history and evolution of the firearm. Saw your Garand video and got me motivated to order one of last correct grades from CMP after waiting 20 years!!

Hickok is an encyclopedia. I love listing to him give the history of the weapons he's shooting. Very informative.

Bayonet for deer hunting, hah! You crack me up Hickok. And man the action on that Krag looks smooth as butter!

HOLY That plate sold for $1,108.54!?!?! Thats insane!!!

Thank you for the details, it's always welcome and is what sets your videos apart!

Thanks for sharing this incredible piece of History. I really enjoyed it!

M1903 Springfield one of my favorite rifle of the U.S. arm weapon, never shot one. But it's a beautiful rifle

Finally a stripper clip Hickok can load.

WOW. Today, I bought one of these, and the serial number is just a few hundred away from yours, and it was re-barreled in September 1942 by Springfield. Since I live in California, I need to wait ten days to pick it up. I've had a 1903-A3 since 1976, which I bought when I was in high school, but I've always wanted a 1903, because that's what my dad carried in WWII. Thanks for posting this!

I can always rely on you for information on guns that spark my interest. Even when my interest seems to be random, sure enough, you've got a video on it!

I'm a ramen noodle and I knew about the m1903 before BF1 was announced

My great grandfather just gave me his service 1903 from WWII. I can't remember what the serial number is but I know that all of the stamps are legit and the serial number saw service in at least one, if not both, world wars. I'm going to clean it, even though there isn't a speck of rust on it. I really want to shoot it but I need to make sure that it's safe to fire first.

Getting me fired up to take mine out. Hickok, your passion for life lived one cartridge at a time is contagious!

Have one at a million and a half serial number from Springfield armoury , this thing is stamped and immaculate . I know they are collectable over here and have been offered £2,500.00 but until I really need the money this baby stays with me . Like yourself Mr Hickok I can't shoot it well due to the sights which I believe go up to 2,825 yards or thereabouts but it's a rifle you pick up and it feels amazing and that's without the history to go with it . Great review sir , love your series . Subscribed

He seems like a man version of Dr. Phil. The wealth of knowledge is amazing, love his videos

I am twelve years old and my grandfather was born in 1897. He served in ww1 and ww2. He braught both of his guns home. The 1903 and the m1 garand . He lived until he was 107 and I shot these guns like three years after he died. They both shoot really well and it was not until I was eleven that I new he served in bellow wood and in the second wave of D day. I am very proud of my grandfather. My dad was also in the marines and he retired in 2000 and then he joined the police force in 2001 right after 9/11. He is now almost a police chief.

Great freakin vid. I like the history behind the weapons and the simple explanation of the bolt mechanism by showing us its progression with different weapons. Subbed!

I really enjoyed this video! Congrats on finding such a nice '03 for your collection. It's a beauty! Keep up the good work!

"I've got my bayonet for deer hunting..." I'd love to see that video!!

The 1903 is a painful pleasure to shoot. I'd like to get an A3 a a compliment to my Krag.

Another classic piece of history that I am hoping to buy soon.Thanks for these very informative videos Hickok45,on these fine weapons.That rifle is beautiful.

Thank you Sir, for this Awesome video....the 03 has always been one of my favorite all time Rifles. Such a Beautiful Masterpiece... I've been searching for many years for just the right one for me.. I learned more then i ever have about this weapon watching this video....Thank you again....and a Great ending, and Thank God for those Brave and Courageous Men and Women in the past that did so much for us.... Amen.......

That is my dream gun, and it always will be

I'm in love with this gun

love the videos hickock45! keep em coming

the only history channel i need, well this and count dankula’s madlads

The M1903 is my favorite rifle from WWII. I personally like it even more than the Garand. I liked the Lee-Enfield and Mosin Nagant, plus the Mauser Kar98k, but I have always been the most partial to the Springfield. The Springfields are really pricey nowadays, so I would probably buy a dirt cheap Mosin instead.

If you are going to shoot the 50's headstamp ammo please be sure and clean the rifle after, as Korean War 30/06 issue ammo is known to be corrosive. Most old shooters I have known would not even touch buying an M-1 with "Blue Sky" and the eagle stamped on the gas cylinder just for this reason.

I've found myself really liking your videos and have been watching them for a while now and realized why haven't I subscribed? haha. Anyways you've earned a subscriber and I continue to watch your videos. I love this gun, one of my favorite ever developed to date. Gotta love the old military surplus guns.

Beautiful rifle Hickok, I am a sucker for older weapons such as this beautiful piece of machinery. I love your videos keep up the good work, you always educate me and put a smile on my face at the same time, so I never lose interest.

I have an03 just like the one he is shooting except mine was made by Rock Island Armory in 1918 and re-barreled in 1944 and shoots great even with the 30/06 amo made in 1944

LMAO the ending was priceless id clean the gun for free if i live in that area

Your videos awesome! I love all the historical information about the weapons.

Hickok45, thanks so much for profiling an original M1903 Springfield. I have seen your M1903A3 video, but there's just something about the older ones that is really special. The M1905 sight, the rear ladder-style sights on those rifles, is a brilliant design with many useful features, if one is willing to take the time to learn them. First, when the rear-sight is folded down, there is a battle-sight zero notch available, which is designed for snap shooting. It generally zeros to about 545 yards, give or take - or about 12-inches high at 100 yards. In those days just after the invention of smokeless powder and flat-shooting high-velocity spitzer bullets (i.e., flat-shooting in comparison to black powder guns and their heavy low-velocity slugs), it was though that typical infantry combat wold take place at extended ranges, hundreds of yards, which is why the BSZ is set as it is. The ladder sight offers several different means of taking a sight picture, depending on intended use. You will notice that the sights curve slightly as the yardage increases - this is a built-in compensation for spin drift due to the right-handed twist of the barrel rifling. Perfected in 1905, these rear sights were known henceforth as "Model 1905 sights." Originally, they worked well with M1905 150-grain FMJ spitzer-flat base bullet with MV of 2765 fps (or 2700 fps 78 feet downrange, which was how they measured muzzle velocity in those days). Later, the M1905 was adapted to M1 Ball 174-grain FMJ-BT at ~ 2700 fps (2648 78 feet downrange), and finally M2 Ball adopted in 1938, with a 152-grain spitzer flat-base at 2805 fps. The M1905 sights worked great for the Marines in WWI at Belleau Wood and Château-Thierry when Marine riflemen armed with iron-sighted M1903 rifles picked off advancing German infantry from ranges of up to 800 yards.

I got to shoot this a few days ago. Really felt like I was looking down the iron sights of history. Was gonna shoot the M1 Garand, but something about that springfield just spoke to me.

Great! It is history! 🇧🇷

another great video Hickock45 thank you for your time doing these videos. I put a m1903 on lay away yesterday and wanted to see if you had a video of it and Sher enough ya did and made me want it even more lol god bless and happy thanksgiving

And, my wish for an awesome slo-mo at the end was totally granted. I love it.

26:25 was the best thing I have seen this month! lol

I bought one of these this summer from a "Fudd". He works with my sister and my sister gave me the heads up he had a rifle for sale because it was a military rifle and he doesn't like it or want it because it was "made for killing people". So long story short, $150 later it was mine and was in mint shape, It was definitely refurbished as the stock didn't have a single ding. Receiver was in mint shape, had a S.A. barrel from October 1917. Rifle itself was a Rock Island Arsenal with a "safe" serial number dating around 1920-1921. I ended up selling it a month later for $800 which helped fund a new 1911 purchase.

Thanks for including the Krag and Mauser rifles! Really neat stuff

awesome as always

Hey Hickok, try using the leaf's sight peep, that should improve your accuracy a little bit

You make it look so easy HickHock45, if i tried, I'd probably miss a two liter from 15 yards, lol

That fantastic feeling when youre thinking about buying a certain gun and hickock posts a video about it. Excellent

I love your channel! Great video!

Check out the movie "Saving Private Ryan" with the actor who was praying for an accurate shoot. That was a Springfield 30:06.

I’m currently watching the mini series The Pacific and I see a lot of US Marines using this early in the war while fighting the Japanese on Guadalcanal. Interesting

That's the first time that anyone has explained what 30-06 designates or what does it stand for thank you very much Hickok

I was looking at these on "J&G Sales" today... I love the older Military weapons, from all countries.... I'm applying for a C&R so I can have them shipped directly to my home... Anyway, whenever I want to see a good review on a firearm that I'd like to buy, and get some background, I just search your channel and most times you've done a video on it.... Thanks for all the informative and entertaining videos...

Mama Springfield

Everybody wants a mosin. But I want an 03.

Hickok45, Love the video, Great Job. I have one of the rifles that I bought through CMP about 4-6 years ago and shoot it all the time. I am sure you have tried this already but I find that flipping up the leaf site and shooting with the peep site on it helps alot. Keep up the Great Work Will

Fantastic review as usual!

"Oh no i hit one of my pigs!" LOL

It’s funny how you can’t tell if his video is three weeks or eight years old.

That is a very good looking rifle, thank you hickok.

I didn't know about the mag cut off switch... Thanks, you learn a lot of neat stuff with Mr. Hickock

I want one.....

Beautiful rifle, my favourite from the USA, i prefer these older versions with the nice curved trigger guard as opposed to the more "garand" type versions made during WW2

What an awesome video, i have to thank you for making me so excited for my R.F Sedgley Springfield 1903A3 rifle i will get within 6 weeks, now those 6 weeks will feel like 2 years.

Excellent video as always!

How do you have the infantry variant?

when I star gun collecting, I would like to get a Kar98k first, and then following that not in any particular order, springfield, enfield, and nagant

I love your videos just the way u make them and talk about the guns. just awesome. keep it up

Now imagine fighting off waves of enemy's over a period of a few weeks with this rifle. No fancy gloves or hearing protection either. Just some warm brews and cheap wine to help you get through it! RIP to the WW1 & 2 VETS legends.