Which CMP '03?

[Father Knows Best]

I've finally got enough $ to order a 1903 Springfield from CMP. The question now is -- which one? I don't know anything about them. They have three types available, all priced at $400. They are a "high serial numbered" Springfield, a "Mark 1" Springfield, and a Remington. All have the S stock. What's the difference between a Mark 1 and a high serial numbered Springfield? Is there any real advantage to the Remington? I'm kind of partial to Springfields, as both of my Garands are Springfields.

I want to shoot it, not just admire it, if that makes a difference.

Thanks!

 

[alamo]

I asked the same question on the CMP forum awhile back. Here was a very informative reply:

High numbered Springfield: 1918ish-1930's 1903 rifle produced at the Springfield Armoury

Remington: WWII era version of the above rifle made by remington. There are actually two variations, the first 50,000 are basically identical to the earlier Springfield production models. The "Modified" variation has stamped bands and non-fingergrooved stocks.

MK I: 1918-1920 Were rifles that fired semi-automatic with the use of the Pederson device. Has an ejection cutout on the left side of the reciever and top of the reciever is marked "MK I", there are some other parts different on the MK I; trigger, sear, ect......but most of the CMP MK I's will have standard 1903 parts on them.

These are rebuilt rifles, A MK I could have a 1943 Remington barrel, Scant grip stock, Nickel Steel Rock Island bolt, and stamped trigger guard. I've also seen a 1903 Modified Remington in a Rock Island Fingergroove stock. One of the 1903 high numbered Springfield's I recieved came with a like new 1943 Remington barrel, stamped triggerguard, and a WWII "CC" Replacement bolt.