MARK 1 Springfield

The Mark I was developed to use a automatic pistol-type receiver that would replace the bolt. It fied small pistol-type rounds out of a 40-rd. magazine. It was developed late in WWI and about 100,000 rifles were manufactured. The devices were kept in storage until ca. 1930 and them destroyed - a relative hanhdful survived.

The rifles, on the other hand, had the trigger and sear designed to fire the special cartridge removed and they were restored to normal service. The only thing different is the oval ejector slot oin the left side of the receiver and the "U.S Springfield Mark I" on the receiver.

CMP has sold quite a few - the typical one has nothing original except the receiver, although there have been some notable exceptions. Some have matching barrels (late 1918-early 1920) and a few even have correct stocks and a couple the original trigger and sear.

Thanks for the info.

Is the part that replaced the bolt the Pederson Device or am I confusing that with another gun?

Mark I

Yep -- that the one.

Rick the Librarian - They also modified som of the P-17 rifles for the Pederson device. Like the Mark I 1903, they got shelved right away. It must have been a convincing enough device to justify both rifles being set up to use them.

I don't remember how they planned to use them, but I would think that only one or two would be issued to a squad, for close-in house to house combat. They were not up to any long range shooting (not beyond about 150 yards).

Actually, only a test 1917 rifle or two was fitted with the P-D. They also looked at a Mosin/Nagent, but didn't even get as far as a test. From what I just read, Pedersen Devices were to be used en masse.

I agree range would have been awfully short with that pistol cartridge. Also, I think the hassle of changing bolt to P-D was a mark against them.

How much are they woth in todays market if they are in good condition?

Itcboy - Their value is about the same as other 1903's in like condition. The availability of the semi-auto bolt system is far too rare, so it would cost thousands, the Mark I is a 1903 Springfield and as a Mark I, it has no value advantage.