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Rifle "Springfield": description, specifications, models and reviews

In 1898, American designers noted a number of shortcomings in arming the soldiers of the US Army. The government decided to create a new, more sophisticated weapon. As part of its implementation, an American rifle "Springfield" was created on the basis of the store, which was occupied by Spanish soldiers, using the Mauser rifle bolt.

June 19, 1903 became the official date of its adoption for the army. Already during World War II, US infantrymen used the Springfield store rifles M1903.

How it all began?

Since 1816, the US infantrymen were armed with smoothbore muskets. In 1842 in the Springfield arsenal began the development of a more perfect model of weapons. Serial production was established in 1944. The products were the first American muskets, in which the silicon locks were replaced with capsules. As a result of design improvements, such weapons could be used regardless of weather conditions.

Spare parts of the muskets were interchangeable and made by machine. The trunk in this model was made thick, especially for its further cutting. For firing from this weapon, bullets "Minie" caliber 69 were developed. After testing the rifles, the developers concluded that the larger caliber does not provide sufficient accuracy of hits. It was decided to reduce the "Minier" caliber. Thus, the 1842 rifle was the last American musket using the caliber 69. In the eleven years, from 1844 to 1855, the arsenal produced 275,000 units of this weapon. Rifle "Springfield" 1855 was designed to fire bullets "Minie" caliber 58 (14.7 mm).

The first American breech-charging guns

Rifle "Springfield" 1873 "Luke" was widely used in battles with American Indians. The shutter mechanisms in this weapon opened like a hatch.

Hence the name of the rifle. The models were two examples: cavalry and infantry. For one minute, no more than fifteen shots could be fired from such weapons. The bullet had a speed of up to 410 m / sec. Operated rifles "Springfield" 1873 by the US Army until 1992.

New rifle for the American-Spanish war

The American soldiers who fought in Cuba used long obsolete single-shot rifles of the 1873 model. The Spaniards used the German "Mausers" caliber of 7 mm.

After the increased level of losses of the US infantry by the US military command in 1900, it was decided to replace the obsolete rifles. The task of creating a new rifle and ammunition for her received the Springfield arsenal. In view of the fact that at that time the American weapons designers did not have a quality model that could be used as a base for the new model, they took as a basis the captured "Mauser". Since in the "Springfield" rifle of the 1903 model everything was copied from the German "Mauser", in order to patent the new US weapons, it was necessary to pay Germany 200 thousand dollars.

Ammunition

Especially for the "Springfield" rifle, 1903, American gunsmiths manufactured new cartridges that were equipped with shell blunt-bullet bullets weighing 14.2 grams. The long sleeve had a bottle shape and did not contain rant. Compared to the Krag-Jorgensen rifles, the bullet fired from the Springfield rifle had an increased speed of 670 m / s. Despite the fact that this gun is a copy of the "Mauser", the American version was adopted as a US Rifle, 30 caliber, M1903.

In total, one batch of rifles was produced. They were immediately transferred to the American infantry. In 1905, Theodore Roosevelt gave a personal order to replace the needle bayonet rifle with a wedge. The weapons were returned to the factory. At this time, the Germans invented new cartridges with pointed bullets. This idea was adopted by the Americans. From the old ammunition of 1903, the sample (30-03) had to be abandoned. The bullet of the new ammunition of 1906 (30-06) weighed only 9.6 grams, but developed a very high speed (880 m / s). The rifle, returned to the manufacturer to replace the bayonet specially for the new ammunition, was now equipped with new sighting mechanisms.

Arresting the receiver

This element of the rifle consisted of a polygonal wooden box, which has a U-shaped section. The forehead performed two functions:

  • The mechanism of recharge from external mechanical interference was blocked.
  • Protected by the arrow from contact with the hot barrel.

In the rear, the butt was equipped with a special recess under the handle. The rifle's forehead was equipped with antabuses, to which straps were attached.

The trunk was installed on the mounts located on the front wall. There was also a handle for reloading. In this part of the rifle, the fore-ends were secured and the shot cartridges were extracted. In the back wall of the box there was a special window through which the store joined. Inside the barrels were located shock-trigger mechanisms, closures and return springs. The shutter in the form of an elongated piece was equipped with a special channel for an asymmetric drummer. A design feature of the rifles "Springfield" is considered to be the interaction of the gates and return springs by means of a lever. Especially for this, in its lower part were mounted fasteners used by the return-fighting spring.

Description of sighting devices

The rifle "Springfield" is equipped with a patented firm "Mauser" longitudinally slidable shutter. According to the shooters, it is very similar to its German counterpart. However, nevertheless, some individual features were present in the US gun.

Initially, these guns shot blunt bullets and equipped with sectoral sights. A needle bayonet was supplied with the Springfield rifle. In 1905, it was modernized, and the model itself underwent design changes. The factory rifles were equipped with mechanical sighting mechanisms. In the muzzle of the weapon were flies, and in the back - mechanical or circular sights.

The transition to pointed bullets caused a change in the frame sights: it was now two slits and a clamp containing a diopter. Due to this, the aiming devices could be adjusted both vertically and horizontally. The sight allowed shooting at a distance of no more than 2700 yards.

How did Springfield work?

The rifle, unlike modern models, shot with the open bolt. According to the fans of firearms, due to this design feature, the rifle, in contrast to the product with a rotary manual shutter, has a higher rate of fire. In addition, the Sprinfield, having a total length of 1097 mm and weight of 3.94 kg, proved to be quite a handy weapon for use in narrow terrain. For hand-to-hand combat, a bayonet was developed for the rifle, which was easily installed on the weapon. For its comfortable wearing, the American infantry was equipped with special scabbards, which clung to the belt.

After pressing the trigger, the special lever, which is behind the sear and holding the return spring, began to be released. Then the spring, acting on the lever, propelled the bolt. Moving to the extreme position, he grabbed ammunition from the store and sent it to the chamber. The shot was carried out after the drummer broke the cartridge capsule. The resulting recoil rolled the bolt to its initial position. Simultaneously with this process, the sleeve was extracted. The next shot was possible after the bolt was coming back and being installed behind the sear.

Modifications

Rifles "Springfield" throughout its history have repeatedly undergone design changes, resulting in the emergence of the following models:

  • A sample of 1903. They are characterized by sectoral sights and the use of blunt-nosed bullets.
  • A sample of 1906. The rifle is characterized by the presence of a modified form of the chamber and a new frame sight. The latter was equipped with a special screw with a mortised head. By rotating it, the shooter could move the sight and aim in the vertical and horizontal planes.
  • The sports rifle NM 1903. It is considered a target weapon used by the American National Rifle Association. From 1921 to 1940 years. Almost 29 thousand units were manufactured.

  • Rifle of 1929 release. This model is characterized by the presence of the pistol neck of the box. In addition, in this "Springfield" as a protection for the fly can be used cylindrical namushnik.
  • The weapons of the 1942 model. It was made before 1945. The shape of the neck of the box is semi-pistol. When manufacturing backplates, staples of trigger hooks, bed rings and nouchers, the method of stamping was used. The trunk channel has two cuts. With a dioptric sight, you can shoot at a distance of up to 800 yards.

The first American sniper rifle

"Springfield" M1903A4 in 1942 produced by selecting the best and most accurate rifles M1903. This model is characterized by a complete lack of fastenings for bayonets and standard sighting devices: flies and open sights. Instead, the weapon is equipped with optical sights: 2.2-fold M84, 2.5-fold M73B1, produced by Weaver Co. This model was in service with the US Army until 1961. The Marines used the rifle also in 1969.

Conclusion

Having borrowed the idea of the German "Mauser", the Americans created their very high-quality weapons, which were used in the First and Second World Wars. Rifles "Springfield" have a rich history. At one time, weapons were produced in huge quantities. Today, the museums and private collections have become the places of stay for the models.

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