The Queens Guard selected the M1903-A3 Springfield Rifle with a fixed M1905 16 inch stainless steel bayonet to execute its difficult and dangerous movements, in light of the rifle’s perfectly even balance from the center of its stock, as well as uniquely American heritage.  The rifle weighs 13 pounds and was manufactured in 1942 at Remington Arms in Ilion, New York, as a slightly modified version of the M1903 Springfield Rifle manufactured initially on June 19th, 1903 at The Springfield Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Throughout its distinguished history, The Queens Guard represented the only unit to compete and to perform with the impressive fixed 16 inch bayonet, notably chromed along with the rifle’s other metal components to accentuate the precision of its movements for judges and audiences alike.  The rifle endured countless tosses and spins over the course of a year’s performances by team members, fitted with kit leather gloves and well-trained to manage its use safely.

Visit the Springfield Armory Museum to learn more about our rifle.