Straight or curved handle

Which J5 bolt would be more correct for a SA 8728xx rifle, straight or curved handle?

I seem to recall that SA adopted the swept handle bolt sometime in the latter half of 1918. Either would probably be correct.

Looking at JB's chart, it might be straight. Double heat treated, straight handled J5. Might be tough to find?

Here is some additional information on the mentioned rifle. The barrel date is 4-18. It appears to be original. The receiver does have the hatcher hole. Any chance it could be a USMC modification? If so, would they thev have modified the bolt at the same time? Is a straight handle J5 bolt safe? --TIA

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RBruce

Which J5 bolt would be more correct for a SA 8728xx rifle, straight or curved handle?

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Straight handle.

J.B.

---------- Post added at 08:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:58 PM ----------

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RBruce

Here is some additional information on the mentioned rifle. The barrel date is 4-18. It appears to be original. The receiver does have the hatcher hole. Any chance it could be a USMC modification? If so, would they thev have modified the bolt at the same time? Is a straight handle J5 bolt safe? --TIA

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(1) Yes.

(2) Probably.

(3) If in good condition, it should be. But I can make no guarantees. The military never withdrew straight handle bolts from service, except when damaged or worn out.

J.B.

Many thanks, Mr. beard.