Need help with SC 1903A3 feeding problem

[Dalebert]

I have an SC 1903A3. It won't feed well at all. It's virtually a single shot. I replaced the spring to ensure I have the proper one. The reality of that depends on the accuracy of description on EBAY. I also researched what the follower is supposed to look like and it appears correct. So I think I have the right spring and follower. The follower seems to hang up in back and somewhat on the sides. The bullets do not seem to lay flush along the feed lips. The back of the bullets angle down some and the bolt fails to pick them up. I love the gun, but hate that it won't work right. It's essentially a single shot at this point. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[chuckindenver]

turn the cut off switch to the ON setting, and see what happens.

[Dalebert]

thanks, but it "On"

[rugersworld]

Try another spring and follower, this time DON'T buy from fleaBay. Buy from a dealer of A3 parts

[chuckindenver]

more info is needed.
is this still in military trim? or sporterized?
is the stock an original GI or reproduction..what stock is it, striaght grip, scant or c stock
should have a stamped guard, non looped spring, and stamped unmarked follower,
is this a recovered drill rifle? is so..it may have weld left behind so the bolt wont come back far enough.

[Dalebert]

Chuck,

Not sportorized
Military stock - Not sure what style
Stamped Guard
Stamped Follower
Bolt comes all the way back behind rounds in "On" setting. - Doubt its been welded
When I looked at the picture again on Ebay that showed the military packaging for the spring I bought, I notice it said 'Cal 30, Model of 1917'. So probably have 1917 spring. I may have missed that because the last Milsurp I bought is a 1917 and I had that on the brain. Like the spring that was in gun when I bought it, I doesn't seem to me to fit the follower properly.

Can you suggest a source for an authentic 1903A3 follower spring?

Thanks,
Dale

[gsimmons]

Bill Ricca he is a site sponsor as well. billricca.com

[emmagee1917]

1917 original springs were stamped with the usual R , E , and W stampings . See if yours is stamped . Of course , Remington stamped R on thier 1903 springs in WW2 , but in a different font . Good if you have both to compare , but....
Replacement spring could be unmarked in both styles , as well as S/C s .
Later springs had a "W" shape while earlier springs had little loopies where they switched directions . Someone may comment on how this might help you.
Chris

[Calif-Steve]

The stamped triggerguards will bend. They do not run with any damage to them. Can you swap out your TG for another? Got a buddy with an 03-A3? Try that, good luck.

[Randy A]

I recently had the same problem. When all is installed correctly, the mag spring exerts a slight rearward pressure on the follower. If there should be too much gap between the mag well (it has a lip that sticks up) and the action, the follower will hang up or catch in the gap. Or if the edge of the action hangs over the back wall of the mag well. I had recently installed it all in a new stock and was pretty sure the fit was spot on,,,, missed that part. With a little more careful inletting in the trigger guard it fit great and solved the problem. Also, the lip on the mag well had been bent back a little I straightened it too.
I've always understood that you should never completely eliminate any gap between the mag well and action, always leave a few thousandths, otherwise you've lost all the "clamping force" on the stock. There are many on here that know more than I on the matter, I'm sure they will have input.