Springfield 03 - special model
My buddy has a Springfield 03 that has a small "window" cut in the side of the receiver. It is next to the bolt opposite the bolt handle. It seem that I read somewhere there were devices made during WWII that could be attached to special 03's making them semi-auto. The device obviously replaced the bolt.
Does anyone know the name of this device? Or what the name for the special 03's was?
Thanks.
Does anyone know the name of this device? Or what the name for the special 03's was?
Thanks.
0
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It was called the Pederson Device, designed to fire a 30 cal; round similar to the 30 Carbine[but no relation other than size].The model is called a 1903 Springfield Mark 1...
The actual device and mags are almost unheard of.
Love them Pre-64's!!!!-Bob
Mark.. I really did know the correct spelling-fixed it now..[8D]0 -
That is the famous Pedersen Device dating from World War One. Model 1903 Springfields modified to accept the device were designated Model 1903 Mark 1. Mark 1 Springfields which are original are hard to find and bring a healthy premium, but nearly all have been rebuilt (often more than once) or sporterized during their lives. The Pederson Devices themseleves are extremely rare and priced well out of the range of typical collectors.
"Nothing can ever be made 'idiot proof' because idiots are simply too clever"!
Mark T. Christian0 -
Mark- Are there really anymore than one or two devices known to exist today????
Love them Pre-64's!!!!-Bob0 -
There have to be more than one or two Bob (I know there is an example at the Rock Island Arsenal because I've seen it), but probably fewer than a dozen total and I have no idea how many may be in private hands. Bert Kellerstedt has an example in his collection- along with everything else! There was a Pedersen Device up for sale on another auction site a couple of years back and bids of up $50K did not even meet the reserve!
"Nothing can ever be made 'idiot proof' because idiots are simply too clever"!
Mark T. Christian0 -
benzapped,
The notch in the rifle is for the Pedersen Device which was supposed to be a "secret weapon" in WWI to convert the 1903 Springfield into a semi-automatic weapon.
I don't know much about the devices other than they are extremely rare and expensive, but the rifles are not uncommon. They were designed to fire the .30 Pedersen Long cartridge. The .30 Pedersen is extremely underpowered by todays standards and is interchangeable with the 7.65mm Long French automatic pistol.
Nonetheless an interesting piece of history.
Regards,
Heavyiron[8D]
"If I don't see you nomore on this world, I'll meet you on the next one, and don't be late!" - Jimi Hendrix0 -
Thank-you Mark!!!...Just wondering.
Love them Pre-64's!!!!-Bob0 -
Yes, and back in the early '80s I used to get the Mark Is in all the time, and had to discount them as nobody wanted a Springfield with a hole in the receiver!![xx(]
SEMPER FI MAC, SEMPER FI0 -
Here is a link to a very good article on the Pedersen device:
http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/pipsqueak_pistol.htm0 -
Much appreciation. You have been a great help- as usual. 0 -
Greetings all,
Does anyone have a suggestion on the best place to sell a pedersen device Magazine ? It was aquired back in the 1917-1920 era , is in unissued condition. I see a lot of discussions / articles out there but I am not quite sure where the best place to list this would be. Perhaps you or someone you know "Has to have it" $$$$ I will be happy to send pictures of it to anyone who is serious about purchasing. Any thoughts on value? Due to its rarity , there seem to be no "comparables" . I was offered $5000 a few years ago , the person who offered it acknowledged it was perhaps worth much more.
Thanks for any input
Tony DeRouin0
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