Rifleman Q&A: ’03 Springfield Sight Settings

by
posted on August 8, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
03Qa

This “Questions & Answers” was featured in the December 2004 issue of American Rifleman. At time of publication, "Questions & Answers" was compiled by Staff, Ballistics Editor William C. Davis, Jr., and Contributing Editors: David Andrews, Hugh C. Birnbaum, Bruce N. Canfield, O. Reid Coffield, Charles Q. Cutshaw, Charles M. Fagg, Angus Laidlaw, Evan P. Marshall, Charles E. Petty, Robert B. Pomeranz, O.D., Jon R. Sundra, Jim Supica, A.W.F. Taylerson, John M. Taylor and John Treakle.

To subscribe to the magazine, visit NRA membership page here and select American Rifleman as your member magazine.


Q. Recently, I purchased an M1903 Springfield from the CMP. I have a question as to how the Model 1905 ladder sight is supposed to be used. What is the correct procedure to use the battle sight or ladder with notch or peep?


A. The “battle” setting for the M1905 sight is for the leaf to be completely folded forward, which equates to 441 yards. Distances above and below this range are obtained by raising the leaf and adjusting it to the proper graduations on the sight leaf. The M1905 sight is also capable of windage adjustments by means of the knurled thumbscrew which allows it to be adjusted transversely.

—Bruce N. Canfield

Latest

Range Ready Plinkapalooza 1
Range Ready Plinkapalooza 1

Shooting Is Fun: How I Rediscovered the Benefits of Rimfire

A recent event at Range Ready in Robert, La., reminded us how much fun the simple rimfire firearm can be, whether in handgun, carbine or rifle form.

New for 2026: Daniel Defense MUTE30Ti & NULL9Ti Suppressors

Daniel Defense was one of the first manufacturers to employ additive manufacturing techniques in suppressor-making, and now, the company has expanded its line with the MUTE30Ti and NULL9Ti silencers.

The Fight for America’s Rifle

Despite the warning we’ll sue to protect commonly owned AR-type rifles, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed Senate Bill 749, which will make it illegal to sell, purchase, import, manufacture or transfer such firearms starting on July 1. 

Gun of the Week: Henry Repeating Arms SPD Predator

The new SPD Predator, an extension of Henry's magazine-fed Lever Action Supreme Rifle design, looks to extract the greatest possible degree of accuracy and precision from a modern lever gun.

The Armed Citizen® May 15, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Politically Incorrect Truth About the Armed Citizen

The Second Amendment doesn’t—and should not be treated as if—it ends at state lines. American citizens need the national reciprocity legislation that is now active in Congress.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.