03A3 Suspect Bolt

Took the 03A3 to the range today to try and zero, picture at least says I'm in getting in the ballpark.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...DSCN0572-1.jpg

Next picture is what I discovered while cleaning, you can see a ragged crack or surface erosion just below the V notch for the bolt. It's a Remington bolt and the suspect area does not go thru to the inside. Thoughts? And if it's get a new bolt I would request someone e-mail me if you have a SC bolt for sale.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...DSCN0569-1.jpg

I have an SC bolt body I'll be listing soon, if you want to PM/email me.

Take a careful look before you decide to toss the bolt body, though.

RtL

How did you shoot tomorrow's group today?

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../2z4wy8g-1.jpg

Always getting ahead of myself, nice catch - I'm busted.

The questionable area on the bolt doesn't look like a crack in the photo. More like a deep gouge or localized corrosion. Perhaps it's an artifact from localized hardening of the cam surface?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jmoore

The questionable area on the bolt doesn't look like a crack in the photo. More like a deep gouge or localized corrosion.

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I agree with jmoore. What he said is what it looked like to me before I read this far down the page. It is not a critical area (safety-wise) so don't worry about it. No need to replace the bolt unless it starts giving functional problems ( sticky bolt lift due to erosion of the cocking cam surface ).

HTH,

Emri

Springfield Sporters has new/mint 03A3 bolt cheap. Get one today. I think your bolt is not cracked, but I would replace it and keep it as a spare.

Thanks to those who responded, I'll shoot a stripper clip or two next time, then pull the bolt and check the condition.

A close up. Looks like corrosion, or similar, it's got no depth or hard edges like a crack would.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...SCN05691-1.jpg
It might take a little while for the photo to update- so if it looks likewhat's above, come back in 15-30 min. (I don't know why!)

I'll take it to work Monday and get a detailed close-up pic to post.

What you have is a scant forging.

Bolts were die-forged from bar stock. Occasionally, the soft steel did not completely fill out the forging die, thereby leaving a scant spot. The scant spot didn't usually show up until the bolt forging was milled. Government inspection standards allowed for scant spots as long as the scant spot was small and not in a critical location. If the scant spot was large enough, the part would be recovered by welding in parent metal and re-machining the part. Nothing went to waste.

Your bolt is not the least bit unusual. Remington scant forgings are very common. I have a number of them.

J.B.

is this a square safety lugged bolt?

Chuck, I don't know how to recognize that safety yet, here are some additional photos.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...DSCN0076-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...DSCN0080-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...SCN00751-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...DSCN0076-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...DSCN0079-1.jpg

I hope those suffice, thanks for everyone's help.

the safety lug is the small lug mid way down the bolt, that keeps the bolt from plowing into the shooters face during a failure.
id bet that your bolt is one of these, and are known for poor fitting, rough finishes, ect,.,most are safe to shoot...i woudnt worry about the damage in the area you have shown.
look for a correct bolt for your rifle, the bolt assembly you have pictured has been poorly refinished by someone at some point.