'03-A3 bolt interchangeability?

[8683jb]

I just adopted two Springfield '03-A3's, a Remington and a Smith-Corona, and both were missing their bolts. I bought a NOS Remington-marked bolt and another made up of NOS WWII parts. The Remington fits and gauges correctly in the Remington rifle and the other does the same in the SC. They don't interchange though - not even close to turning in either other gun. I would've thought the design tolerances would've required complete bolt interchangeability between rifles that were to be used in a combat environment. Is this common?

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Rick the Librarian]

As far as I know, all bolts were made to interchange with all M1903s and M1903A3s. Perhaps someone else has an idea why yours doesn't fit.

[Chuckindenver]

made up with NOS parts is the term that make me think..remove the extractors, and cocking assembly, then try the bolts again.
if they work.
then install the extractor, and try again.
if they work {doubt they will}
install the cocking assembly...
see were we are going?

[8683jb]

Thanks Rick & Chuck. I got after it with a little more force (by hand) and they went home fine after that. Maybe something caked into the lug recesses? When I first switched them, I didn't try that because each one worked smooth & easy in their own rifle. Anyhow, all's well now and they work the way you'd expect them to. Thanks again!