1903 springfield
- Thread starter Budweiser360
- Start date
Just a guess, but but I suspect that because this is Canada and not the U.S. we have always been Lee Enfield rich and Springfield poor.
But that said, there's always been a fair number of U.S. Model of 1917 Enfields around on this side of the border as well as P14s. Who knows?
But that said, there's always been a fair number of U.S. Model of 1917 Enfields around on this side of the border as well as P14s. Who knows?
Model 1917 Enfields are more common , because Canada purchased a large amount of Model 1917 rifles for training in WW2.. freeing up SMLE rifles for the army.
The Airforce and the Navy used the Model 1917 for guard duty and parades,..if you look close at photo's of Airforce and Naval personel, you will very often spot the Model 1917 rifle..also the Pacific Coast Mititia Rangers were issued the Model 1917, along with the Winchester and Marlin 30-30.
The U.S continued to issue the Springfield all through the war,,the M1 Garands were for the combat troops...i have seen photo's of MP'S in the Battle of the Bulge in 1944 carring the 1903/a3 Springfield...also the U.S Navy used the Springfield for ship and shore issue.
The Springfield is a accurate well made weapon..and much more handy and lighter to carry than the Enfield..but at the same time, the Model 1917 was a strong tough rifle..its sights ..both front and rear are better protected than a Springfield ....
It took me a long time to find a Springfield. They would be more popular in Canada if there were more of them around, they are rather uncommon in Canada and pretty expensive. In the U.S, they are just expensive. As for people not wanting to get rid of them, that would be correct - I really can't see selling mine, it's just too good a shooter.
