This blog post is the last of three about my favorite World War I U.S small arms.  When America entered World War I in April 1917 it was ill prepared in arms and equipment with which to fight in a world war.  As it took many months for US troops to train and travel to Europe and to enter combat, weapons manufactured in 1918 have been the focus of my collecting. Surprising to some, the M1903 rifle was not the predominant rifle carried by U.S. troops in World War I.  That rifle actually was the United States Rifle Model of 1917, often erroneously referred to as the M1917 Enfield or…

This blog post is the second of three about my favorite World War I U.S small arms.  America declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917.  It took many months for US troops to reach Europe and to enter combat.  The primary period of time for Americans in combat in World War I was in 1918, therefore weapons manufactured in 1918 have been the focus of my collecting. From adoption in 1903 through early 1917, Springfield Armory was the only continuous maker of the M1903.  Rock Island Arsenal had also manufactured M1903 rifles, but only from 1904 through 1913.  Production at Springfield Army was at only a moderate rate.  By…

Each year on the 4th of July, I take some time away from cookouts, fireworks, and my family to spend a few moments with my favorite firearm.  I sit alone in my gunroom, reflecting upon the one piece in my collection that for me most embodies Independence Day.  It doesn’t have a gas cylinder, it isn’t even Parkerized.  It isn’t a mint, perfect example; in fact it is probably the worst condition piece in my collection.  It is a well-used Model 1763 Charleville flintlock musket, which features a branded “U STATES” surcharge and three sets of initials carved into the stock.  Both sling swivels have been removed and the studs…