1903 Springfield, Yes it is a good rifle, if it had not been for WW1 we would have probably had to pay a lot of money to Mauser Corp for stealing their design but so much for history. The 1903 is basically a modified 98 Mauser action. There are several things I as a custom rifle builder like better about the Mauser and some features I do not. I like the Mauser one piece firing pin better but the lines of the Springfield give it distintion and you can open it up for bigger cartridges easier. The bottom metal is also better styled then the Mauser. I would have to give the Mauser a slightly higher reliability rating but not by much and the Mauser is stronger. This is not relevant as any even semi sane load either action will take with ease. If I remember right the 1903 will let go at around 95,000C.U.P. and the Mauser at about 98,000 C.U.P.
I have a 1903 that I built chambered for the .308 Norma Magnum and it is going to Africa this month as my back up rifle. The only reason it is not my main rifle is that I am trying to get a cartridge I developed, the .366 DGW ligitimised and so the rifle chambered for that round is what I will be doing most of my hunting with.
Enjoy your 1903 and if needed for scope clearance it is not very expensive to have your bolt handle altered, you have a great rifle and one of the classics!
