Quick question on 1903 v 1903a3 bolts

[Rumpelhardt]

I was glancing through Hatchers Notebook and noticed that he stated that though the bolt in the 1903 and the 1903a3 are very similar they do not interchange. I didn't see where he elaborated on this but I was under the impression that they would interchange. This is not something I plan on doing but I was just a bit curious as to why they don't?

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[emmagee1917]

I see one in the other all the time . They appear to exchange just fine . Just be sure to check headspace when doing so , but you need to do that every time you change anyway.
Chris

[Rumpelhardt]

Ok I read it a little closer and I think it is saying that certain parts within the bolts them selves do not interchange between the two different bolts not that the bolt's not swap between rifles. Guess that's what I get from reading some thing at midnight after getting home from work. My reading comprehension skills are not at their best at that time lol.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Ok I read it a little closer and I think it is saying that certain parts within the bolts them selves do not interchange between the two different bolts not that the bolt's not swap between rifles. Guess that's what I get from reading some thing at midnight after getting home from work. My reading comprehension skills are not at their best at that time lol.

But that does show an admirable detication to the subject matter.

[emmagee1917]

No , I think all the parts IN the bolt will interchange , too. Not to sure about the extractor . I think it has to match the style of the ring around the bolt . But I think they're interchangeable as a pair.
Some help here , guys ?
Chris

[Rick the Librarian]

To my knowledge, all bolts and bolt parts were interchangeable.

[Fred G.]

Yes, they will.

[Rumpelhardt]

Well if I can stay awake I think I might delve into the book a little deeper tonight just to see if he might expand on the subject a little more. I was only reading snippets here and there and might well have taken the whole thing out of context.

[madcratebuilder]

I recall something about a3 bolts in a 1903 not clearing certain stocks. All bolt parts interchange in my experience.

[Chuckindenver]

most will swap out with no issue.
however.
i have found that lately some R4 marked bolts seem to be longer...not much, but enough to keep the bolt from closing with an extractor installed..
grinding and polishing the extractor face helps some...