Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1920

Serial Number: 1174071

Year of Manufacture: 1920 / Barrel Date: May, 1944

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Bolt Action, 5 Round Internal Magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / MODEL 1903 MARK I / 1174071”. The top of the barrel is marked “H S / flaming bomb / 5 – 44” (High Standard). The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. There are various small letter proofs throughout. The stock is marked, with an “RLB” (Ray L. Brolin) inspection mark next to an ordnance wheel. The underside of the pistol grip is marked with a “P” proof. There are several small Remington marks throughout.

Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a raised base. The rear sight is an adjustable flip-up V-notch ladder sight marked out to 27.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood set with a capped forend/bayonet lug & stacking ring, barrel band w/ sling loop, two through bolts, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling loop, and steel buttplate. There are scratches, pressure dents and small chips. There are cracks at the buttplate and some small ones forming at the wrist. The LOP measures 12 3/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized, Blued

Finish Originality: Original Arsenal rebuild.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is faint erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are scratches, nicks, and light spots of patina throughout. The buttplate has light impact marks. The action has light wear. The screw heads are lightly tooled. The markings are well defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The U.S. Springfield M1903 Mk. 1 Pedersen Cut in .30-06 is a bolt-action rifle that holds a unique place in firearm history due to its innovative design and its intended role as part of a secret U.S. Army project during World War I. Manufactured by the Springfield Armory, the Mk. 1 variant was modified to accommodate the Pedersen Device, a groundbreaking accessory that transformed the rifle into a semi-automatic firearm. Although the device was never used in combat, the Mk. 1 remains a fascinating artifact of military ingenuity.

The M1903 Mk. 1 is chambered in .30-06 Springfield, a cartridge renowned for its long-range accuracy, flat trajectory, and versatility. The defining feature of the Mk. 1 is the "Pedersen Cut," a modification to the left side of the receiver. This cut allowed for the attachment of the Pedersen Device, an accessory designed to replace the standard bolt with a mechanism that converted the rifle into a semi-automatic firearm. The device utilized special .30-caliber pistol-style cartridges, stored in a 40-round magazine that extended from the rifle's top. The concept was to provide infantry with a rapid-fire weapon for trench warfare, bridging the gap between bolt-action rifles and fully automatic weapons. The Mk. 1 retained the core characteristics of the Mauser-inspired M1903 bolt-action mechanism, including a strong receiver and a five-round internal magazine for use with standard .30-06 cartridges. The Pedersen Device could be installed and removed without permanent alteration to the rifle, allowing it to revert to its original configuration.

The rifle features a 24-inch barrel, providing excellent accuracy and ballistic performance. It also retained the full-length wooden stock typical of the M1903 series, offering durability and protection for the barrel. For aiming, the Mk. 1 was equipped with a rear sight adjustable for elevation and windage and a fixed blade front sight, allowing precise shooting with .30-06 ammunition. The M1903 Mk. 1 rifles, distinguished by their Pedersen Cut, were produced in relatively limited quantities. Without the Pedersen Device, they functioned as standard M1903 rifles, serving in various roles during the interwar period and into World War II. Today, these rifles are highly sought after by collectors due to their historical connection to one of the U.S. military’s most ambitious but unrealized projects.