One thing I been thinking about is a WWI Light Rifle using the Pedersen device. As designed OTL its an awkward that really threw the balance of the M1903 off.
However, what if you built the Pedersen device into a modified M1903 at the factor instead of having it being issued and swapped with a bolt in the field as needed? Basically you cut the barrel down to 14 inches instead of the 24 of the M1903. Instead of the mag being side mounted and throwing the balance of the rifle off badly it bottom feed like most mags are. Mag are modified a bit so they are closed instead of the peep holes to let you see how much ammo you have.
This also lighten the load of your infantryman by removing the need to carry a bolt and the pedersen device along with ammo for both. Its also a hell of a lot more mobile in the trenches. Plus most of the parts can be pulled from normal M1903 production.
Thoughts?
However, what if you built the Pedersen device into a modified M1903 at the factor instead of having it being issued and swapped with a bolt in the field as needed? Basically you cut the barrel down to 14 inches instead of the 24 of the M1903. Instead of the mag being side mounted and throwing the balance of the rifle off badly it bottom feed like most mags are. Mag are modified a bit so they are closed instead of the peep holes to let you see how much ammo you have.
This also lighten the load of your infantryman by removing the need to carry a bolt and the pedersen device along with ammo for both. Its also a hell of a lot more mobile in the trenches. Plus most of the parts can be pulled from normal M1903 production.
Thoughts?