The bolt stop, what does it do?

I was reading the early manual kindly posted on this forum and found a reference to the bolt stop, as I was restocking one of my 03's at the time I checked to see if it was there as i'd never seen one before. it was not there. when I next ordered some bits I added one to the order and duly installed it. But I have no idea what it does.

I also discovered that my 1918 RIA has a Mark I sear, with the extra moving part.


TIA


Roy

As I recall, it keeps the bolt from moving forward when the rifle is tilted down. It was later decided to be not really necessary and was left off of later production rifles and overhauls.

RtL is correct . Keeps the bolt to the rear as you reload . Remember these were to be used as single shots with the mag in reserve . Your bolt must also be early enough to have the dimple to engage the stop.
Chris

Aha thanks guys. the bolt is a 'x' non swept bolt, i think 1930's - no dimple.

Do you mean the bolt has an "X" on the top of the bolt handle? If so, take another look at the handle - it is probably "swept" - if so, a Smith Corona M1903A3 bolt from later WWII.

The bolt has a tiny 'x' under the bolt root and is not swept back.