Use of the M1903 during WWII
- Thread starter Andronicus
- Start date
Worth watching the HBO series The Pacific and seeing the old small arms in play in the early war episodes (M1903, Reising SMG and water cooled M1917 ) replaced as the war went on with Thompsons, Garrands and air cooled 1919s. My belief is the M1903 was more a rear area and second line troop issue rifle, and the US Marines at the start of war.
It was used extensively until Garand production caught up with the demands of the expanding armed forces. First combat in the Phillipines and Guadalcanal was fought with the M1903, but it was supplanted by the Garand on Gudalcanal as Army troops replaced the initial Marine Corps deployment.
The M1903 was keep on in limited numbers for rifle grenade launching until a launcher was developed for the Garand. The M1903A4 was also the standard sniper rifle throughout the war. M1903s were also in use by non-combat troops throughout the war and for training. In addition to stocks on hand at the outbreak of war, both Remington and Smith-Corona produced new Springfields into 1944. The Garand was the preferred rifle, but the M1903s soldiered on throughout.
The M1903 was keep on in limited numbers for rifle grenade launching until a launcher was developed for the Garand. The M1903A4 was also the standard sniper rifle throughout the war. M1903s were also in use by non-combat troops throughout the war and for training. In addition to stocks on hand at the outbreak of war, both Remington and Smith-Corona produced new Springfields into 1944. The Garand was the preferred rifle, but the M1903s soldiered on throughout.
Nearly finished a book called "A Dawn Like Thunder" - the true story of Torpedo Squadron Eight. Navy air crews were issued Springfields to help defend Henderson Field on Guadalcanal after most of their A/C (TBF's) were shot down or unflyable. From what I have read in several sources it was the standard Marine rifle at that time. An excellent book by the way.
I have an excellent Remington built (1943) 03A3 .Very accurate- one of my favourite cast bullet rifles.
I have an excellent Remington built (1943) 03A3 .Very accurate- one of my favourite cast bullet rifles.
IIRC, in one of Robert Leckie's books, he tells of the marines being ordered to throw the bolts of their Springfields into the ocean prior to surrendering to the Japanese, after their ammunition ran out.
That was a gutslammer.
That was a gutslammer.
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Until the Garand became more available some of the marines and para marines managed to get a hold of some 1941 Johnsons, a lot more fire power with its 10 shot rotary magazine, that could be topped up without having to open the action.
With it removable barrel it made it very handy for the para marines.
From what I have read they were well liked, but most of them had to be turned in when the Garand became available in sufficient numbers.
With it removable barrel it made it very handy for the para marines.
From what I have read they were well liked, but most of them had to be turned in when the Garand became available in sufficient numbers.
NB.nagantsniper
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the french army were given 1903s during ww2 ( re taking fRANCE )
in Shots Fired in Anger, the author relates an anecdote. During the invasion of Guadalcanal, the initial troops were armed with Garands and the follow ups with Springfields. Guy noticed some on following him very closely and wondered why ? When the Japs get you, I'm going to upgrade my rifle . 
Grizz
Grizz
in Shots Fired in Anger, the author relates an anecdote. During the invasion of Guadalcanal, the initial troops were armed with Garands and the follow ups with Springfields. Guy noticed some on following him very closely and wondered why ? When the Japs get you, I'm going to upgrade my rifle .
Grizz
From what Ive read the army was equipped with Garands and the marines had Springfields on Guadalcanal. The marines got creative about upgrading to Garands apparently.
The USMC ran a comprehensive evaluation of the Garand , M1903, the Johnson and a prototype Winchester semi-auto in late 1940 and concluded that the M1903 was the best all round service rifle. The realities of first combat on Guadalcanal seemed to change minds that firepower really mattered and there was a quick switch to the Garand.
Our own people were equally hidebound in sending our troops to Korea armed with a bolt action rifle. This was to facilitate training and allow logistics support from the Brits who also went in with the No4 LE. Reality hit home and we soon had to compensate by issuing extra BRENs to beef up infantry firepower.
Our own people were equally hidebound in sending our troops to Korea armed with a bolt action rifle. This was to facilitate training and allow logistics support from the Brits who also went in with the No4 LE. Reality hit home and we soon had to compensate by issuing extra BRENs to beef up infantry firepower.
Watch the trend in the infantryman`s firepower from the crank-bolt Lee-Enfield with 10 rds, to the SA FN with 20 lighter rds, to the M16 with 30 still lighter rds. Artillery, mortars and MGs are the big killers, but what `Joe Snuffy`carries still counts for a lot.
Diamondback Six
CGN frequent flyer
Chesty Puller also clung to 1903s for his Marines on Guad, and when he found some of his men had traded with Army units for Garands made them trade 'em back.
Personally, I chalk it up to "Horses for Courses"--the Springfield was a better fit for Puller's needs and purposes, the Garand better suited to Patton's on the other side of the globe.
Personally, I chalk it up to "Horses for Courses"--the Springfield was a better fit for Puller's needs and purposes, the Garand better suited to Patton's on the other side of the globe.
