Krag Collectors Association Forum

The 'rod bayonet' 1903 Springfield is a very handsome arm.
Reviewing sight photographs on my computer, yesterday, I ran across these pictures.

I don't recall where I got the nice rear-sight photo.
I see now it is a reconstruction, that uses part of a Krag 1902 sight-base welded to a 1903 sight-collar.
(Neat, but the welded-up screw-hole and overly long pivot pin show it to be fabricated from parts).

In USN recruit training, San Diego, in Feb. 1960, I was issued a 1903 Springfield, SN 4003. I'd worked in a gunshop for 18 months before joining the USN and knew about rod bayonet Springfields and 30-03s. This was not some sort of WW2 training rifle, but an honest early 03 that had been modified to 1906 standards and remained in service. I removed the bolt. Barrel looked like a sewer. Tip of firing pin had been removed.

The 'leaf', (of the fabricated/reproduction sight), on the early 1903 Springfield rifle is the one that 'Granpa's Gun Parts' identifies and sells, for the 'rod-bayonet 1903'. (Note-The increment lines stop short of the numerals).

This type of leaf is also illustrated in late Krag Ordnance Manuals.

An even later type of leaf shows increments at every 25 yards, marked between the range numerals.
Granpa's Gun Parts identifies this leaf as being for the 1903 Springfield rifle, (likely, post 'rod-bayonet' and pre-1905 sight).

I have seen both types of '1903 Springfield' leaf, used with 1902 sight bases, on seemingly proper Krag rifles.

Additional information from Joe Poyer's book "The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and it's Variations."