Confusion on LN 03's

[Marine A5 Sniper Rifle]

Your post raises two issues: What was the primary rifle in France? Based on what I have seen and read, only the Marines carried the 03 into Europe, the US Army carried the M1917. I am aware, from American Rifleman articles, that Regular Army Units were relieved of their 03's and given M1917's before shipping across. This was how 03 serial number one was found, the Private who had the rifle did not want to give it up, he created enough of a fuss that his unique rifle was identified to authority. I would like someone to give number of the actual 03’s that were in Europe. ...

Not true. The National Guard units, like the 166th, 167th, and 168th Regiments, all used their 1903's. My grandfather, 167th Regiment, used a 1903. The Divisions mobilized the earliest all used 1903's. At the end of the war, there were about 800,00 1903's in France, although the exact number is unknown. .

The SA SN 1 rifle was confiscated in France, not America. The rifle was issued to Pvt. Frank C. Lynaugh of Haverhill, Maine, and it was confiscated from him, over his objection, in the theater of operations of the 49th Infantry while in France and sent back to the States.

jt