1903 Springfield
After participating in a manually operated military rifle
match to recognize the 100th anniversary of the start of the First
World War, I have new respect for the designers, soldiers, and craftsmen who
created and used these magnificent arms in battle.
1903A3
It’s amazing to witness the fine shooting performances
turned in by rifle which are nearly 100 years old. The quality of materials and
high standard of manufacture is evident in how well these rifles shoot today.
Granted, in their service configuration with battle sights, none of these
rifles will strike fear into the hearts of any Camp Perry. But, they are still
accurate and effective nearly 100 years later. Many of the rifles used were not
pristine collector grade examples either. Many had seen untold years of service
before being sold off surplus.
Mosin Nagant 1891
Over the years many of the rifles had parts switched
or replaced and most languished in the hands of colonial and reserve troops for
decades or were roughly handles by raw recruits during initial military
training. Yet these survivors soldier on in the hands of rifle enthusiasts as
the symbols of the conflicts they were used in.
1873 "Trapdoor" Springfield
Mausers, Enfields, Springfields, and Mosin Nagants among
many others were the tools which shaped the 20th century. These
rifles have endured, and in a few cases still see use in isolated and forgotten
corners of the globe. Every once in a while, the rifles are seen in fleeting
glimpses on cable news shows.
WWII Jeep
Compared to today’s modern military assault rifles, the bolt
action rifles of the early 20th century seem to be quaint antiques.
In reality, they still deliver power accuracy and reliability unmatched even in
today’s weapons.
