1903 Springfield with USMC barrel with Circle S

They experimented with a wider front sight and a peep that eliminated the triangle and had a larger hole. The front sight was higher to change the battle sight zero to 200 yards. The front sight cover was raised to accomodate the taller sight. The front sight cover is not to be used firing the rifle, it's just a protector. These sights were only in use for a time in the thirty's, after that they decided to go back to the original. Bill Bentz makes repos so don't pronounce an 03 a Marine rifle based on the sights.

Hence why I said I thought, not knew. I am from from an expert on these things that's why I threw it out there asking. I don't even know who Bill Bentz is. And why would they be made to be taken off while shooting? That seems a little off, I would want a protector on at all times so I don't bend or break the front sight off while I'm doing squad rushes up the beach and into the woods. Just my 2c.

Lt.Dan wrote:Hence why I said I thought, not knew. I am from from an expert on these things that's why I threw it out there asking. I don't even know who Bill Bentz is. And why would they be made to be taken off while shooting? That seems a little off, I would want a protector on at all times so I don't bend or break the front sight off while I'm doing squad rushes up the beach and into the woods. Just my 2c.

The sight is pretty tough, I think the protector was more for protecting the owner from the sharp sight than protecting the sight from accidental damage. In the days of the professional PFC they were issued an 03 and it stayed with them 24/7 until they left the Corps. I wish the government would go back to trusting it's men like that so things like the massacre at Ft Hood would be impossible.

If you ever come across one be advised installing and removing it WILL scrape the finish off the front sight base.

rdj94a wrote:I emailed Jim, he confirmed that I have a Marine 03 that was rebuilt in 41 and probably was used in Guadacanal and elsewhere.

That's cool!