1903 Springfield

[oldhammy1]

I just inherited my fathers Springfield 1903. Based on the serial number, it was manufactured in 1919. I cannot find anywhere about the position of the firing pin while a round is in the chamber. I know the newer rifles have pins that back off while in the ready position, so that if the gun is dropped, it won't go off. I am wondering if this is the case for my 1903, or is it at risk of firing if dropped with one in the chamber. You can tell I am not the most technical gun guy, but first and foremost, I want to understand the safety issues associated with this rifle. Any comments or info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[1KPerDay]

With the safety on, the striker (firing pin assembly) cannot move forward into contact with the primer. It's a very safe system and a great rifle. Is it in GI condition or has it been sporterized?

the safety lever (if GI) is a flat lever on the rear of the bolt. Straight up allows you to unload rounds from the chamber and magazine but blocks the striker. All the way to the right is "safe" and also locks the bolt. All the way to left is "fire."

Read up here:
http://www.surplusrifle.com/1903/index.asp

 

[oldhammy1]

Thanks. I think my question is for the case when I have a round in the chamber, but I have de-cocked the firing pin in the bolt. Sometimes I carry this way, so that all I have to do during hunting is to just lift the lever up and then down to cock, as opposed to chambering a new round, which makes more noise. So in this uncocked, round in the chamber state, can the firing pin set off the primer if the gun is dropped hard, or jarred in just the right way, or is the firing pin backed into the bolt to protect from this. Also- it is the sporterized version. Thanks again.

 

[rcmodel]

DO NOT ever de-cock with a round in the chamber.

That allows the firing pin to rest against the primer, and is an accident waiting to happen.

All bolt-action military rifles are designed to be carried safely loaded, with the safety on.

Never ever de-cock a loaded rifle, ever!

If you don't want to use the safety when hunting, then open the bolt handle and leave it up with a round in the chamber. That mechanically retracts the firing pin away from the primer.
The gun simply cannot fire with the bolt handle raised.

Should you get a shot, all you have to do is push the bolt handle down & closed with your thumb.

rc

 

[oldhammy1]

Thank you very much for answering my question. This is a great site, with a lot of great people!