Project Appleseed

Well, I've always wanted a 1903 Springfield, and this past December, a beat-up Mark I appeared in a local gun shop at a reasonable price. So, I added it to my collection.

This particular example has a receiver from 1919, and an RA re-barrel from 9-43. As mentioned, it's very well used, but the wood is solid and the bore is in excellent condition. The original front sight blade was bent. So, I replaced it with an original. The rear sight was damaged, so I rebuilt it with original parts as well. After a thorough cleaning and proper reassembly, I ended up with a decent shooter.

Now, many of you probably know the battle sight on these rifles was zeroed for 547 yards, with no elevation adjustment other than replacing the front sight blade with a taller one. This poses a bit of a problem for Appleseed, because the battle sights group around 7 inches high at 25 meters. Even the flip up sight on its lowest setting was grouping a couple inches high for me. So, what to do?

The Marines had an answer to this with a taller front sight blade, and I ordered one. Alas, the Friday before the shoot rolled around and it still had not arrived. Now what?

Well, Colonel Whelen would probably laugh, but I whittled a taller sight blade from an official Project Appleseed chamber flag. Yep, I went Glock with my Springfield. Alas, it was still a bit short, with the battle sights still grouping a bit high. However, I was now able to dial in the flip up peep and get a POI reasonably close to my POA.

Now, my abilities with this rifle are still pretty lacking, and my eyesight is not a good match to iron sights. So, I resolved to shoot the Springfield Saturday, and switch to my AR on Sunday. Of course, recoil and cost of ammo played into this decision as well.

So, this stock is not a great fit for me, and it was beating me up pretty badly. You just can't get a good cheek weld, and my eye was perilously close to the bolt. I got whacked in the mouth a few times and ended up with a fat lip. I also have a pretty good bruise on my shoulder. Still, it was such a joy to shoot that old rifle.

I was getting pretty good at working the bolt and loading with stripper clips. During a practice stage 3, I got 9 out of 10 off in time. For the practice stage 2, I got them all off in time. Now, this was with the battle sights, so my groups were high and right, but if I had gotten it zeroed better, they would have scored quite well. I shot the practice standing targets with the flip up peep and only dropped a few points. And I am horrible offhand.

I never shot a full AQT, but rifleman is definitely doable with some practice and better sighting in. Nevertheless, this experience really drove home just how easy we have it these days with modern rifles and telescopic sights. Just compare the red coats between the Springfield and my AR. Yet another reason to respect those servicemen of WWI and WWII.

It was great watching you work that Ole gal all day!

Very cool.
Someday, when I grow up, I'm gonna get an '03.

Now that is way cool. Can't beat the feeling of working those old bolt rifles. Just warms my heart to no end. Wish I was able to of watched this in action.

Gotta love that IAO!   

Have always wanted an ‘03. Had a P17 Enfield once and sold it to a friend-shouldn't have. Someday I'll get an ‘03. Great post!

In Liberty, Gus

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing that rifle on the line.  Sort of  "back to the roots" moment when you remember the AQT was adapted from what was expected from the Doughboys with that same rifle.

Thanks for sharing your story. I, like so many others, envy your experience.

I totally missed that your front sight was an Appleseed chamber flag. That's awesome!!! Since you shot a distinguished score with your AR, I am sure you could have done the same with the Springfield.

I'm sure you will get it dialed in.

Thanks for the great write up. I'm sure I wasn't the only one that enjoyed the read.  You definitely fought through your share of challenges.  I think I'll have to try a similar fix for an M1 carbine that shoots 2-3"" high at 25 yards, even at the lowest setting on the rear sight.

After looking at your two redcoats, my takeaway is that equipment plays it's role, but the main factor is having a good triggerpuller.  Much respect for those groups with a 100 year old rifle in your hands.  That's degree of fifficulty!

Awesome write-up.

My son has an '03 that I tried shooting at the National Matches in the Vintage Springfield match for a few years. Rifle could shoot better than me. Trying to see that narrow front sight blade through the small peep sight hole on the ladder sight was a real challenge. Finally bought an 03a3 to use instead.

That cleared Redcoat is impressive. BTW what ammo were you using? Surplus or commercial?

Quote from: Cadence on April 26, 2023, 11:02:47 AM
BTW what ammo were you using? Surplus or commercial?

For the ‘03 Springfield, I had the PPU 150gr M1 ammo. I shot IMI 77gr Razor Core out of the AR.

If you hand load for 200 yards try a flat based projectile. The stabilize faster. Try 150 g or for reduced recoil 125 g are Very accurate for me.