![]() Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS AUTOMATIC PISTOL, CALIBER .30 MODEL OF 1918 - During World War I Mr. J.D. Pedersen designed a device which, inserted into the receiver of a modified Model 1903 rifle, gave the rifle the capability of firing 40 pistol sized .30 caliber bullets in semi-automatic mode. Secrecy surrounding the development of this 'Pedersen Device' resulted in it being called an automatic pistol. M1903 Mk.I without Pedersen Device SPAR6292 M1903 Mk.I with Pedersen Device SPAR1324 *********** ![]() Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS ![]() Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS ![]() The device took up so much space in the rifle’s receiver that a full-size rifle cartridge could not be fired. Special pistol-size rounds were developed for use. Five forty-round magazines were carried in pouches hung from the infantryman’s belt. Special tools, carried in their own pouch, were needed to complete the field installation of the Pederson device into the Springfield 1903. Springfield Armory NHS, US NPS |
Last updated: February 26, 2015