03A3 bolt

[PWC]

I've always heard about how the 03 pre war 1 had a 'buttery smooth' action. I have never had the chance to try an 03, but I do own a '43 03A3. The bolt is probably not original with the receiver, the numbers don't all match, but it is a good shooter. It has always seemed to be a little hard to lift the bolt especially in prone. I guess the easiest way to describe it is when lifting, it is like a long trigger pull with lots of creep.

I have had the opportunity to shoot a Brit 303 which had a much lower bolt lift because of the cock on close function.

Is there anything that can be done to smooth the bolt lift? I am not a fan of cutting springs, or speed locks. How long is an 03A3 striker spring? an 03? a 1917?

Information

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[Chuckindenver]

are you asking about the A3? or the British rifle?

[PWC]

I'm asking about the 03A3...I thought the subject indicated that

I'm asking for help with the bolt lift AND how long ar the springs for the 03, the 03A3 and the 1917 in case someone before me changed springs.

[Chuckindenver]

the 1917 springs are longer and larger, and can be swaped,, however, will make the operation of the 1903A3 much harder to work,
a new G.I. spring.. not Wolf or after market would work best, even a good used real G.I spring that you know is right would be ok.
its common to have an after market or 17 spring that someone mistakenly installed in an 03..

[PWC]

That's what I'm afraid of. The bolt lift is hard and I can barely get the collar and pin on/off. When cocked, all the coils are touching each other. uncompressed length is 4 1/2" but I didn't measure the wire dia.

[rcathey]

That's what I'm afraid of. The bolt lift is hard and I can barely get the collar and pin on/off. When cocked, all the coils are touching each other. uncompressed length is 4 1/2" but I didn't measure the wire dia.

Not to be insensitive..but if you really believe this is the issue why not just buy a NOS USGI spring? You can buy them all day long on eBay for about 8 bucks. Skip a couple beers the next time you’re out to dinner and you’ll be money ahead.

[PWC]

Not to be insensitive..but if you really believe this is the issue why not just buy a NOS USGI spring? You can buy them all day long on eBay for about 8 bucks. Skip a couple beers the next time you’re out to dinner and you’ll be money ahead.

Not everyone can 'just' go online and buy stuff; but thanks anyway.

[rcathey]

Not everyone can 'just' go online and buy stuff; but thanks anyway.

Alrighty.
Have you explored this theory?:
http://forums.thecmp.org/archive/index.php/t-67981.html

Valve lapping compound is only $4, give or take. If the spring is indeed the issue, though, the only way to fix it will be to buy the replacement part. Not sure I see any way around that.

[PWC]

That's good information, BUT how long are the springs? I need to know to check against mine?

[Jonzie]

, BUT how long are the springs?

This manual says approximately 5 5/8 inches long.

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=20877