Remington 03-A3 missing bolt

[TaylorTN]

I have a friend's REmingtin 03-A3 for safe keeping. It looks to have very little wear, stock markings are sharp and the serial # and barrel markings are both '43.

The problem: the bolt was lost in his parents' estate sale over 10 yr ago.

I'd like to get it back into shooting shape but am not sure how to proceed.

I know any replacement bolt is likely to have headspace issues. I see some nice complete bolt assemblies on Gunbroker, some look as new, some well used.

You folks know more than I do about these rifles so I appeal to you........

I posted this on another board and got a reply to the effect that 1903 and 03-A3 rifles were built to pretty much interchange bolts- that checking HS was good, but not necessary.

I do have access to a set of HS gauges locally.

Info appreciated,
Taylor

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.

[Mike D]

Check out these photos - Remington 1903A3 (displaying original configuration and finish)

They will help with the proper finish for a "correct" bolt. If the rifle has been through rebuild, a parked finsh might be a cheaper way to go. Even a complete blued bolt is relatively inexpensive.

P.S. Welcome to the forum!

[Dad]

TaylorTN,

Instead of going the Gunbroker route to get a replacement bolt, you could try either:

Bill Ricca--> Bill Ricca's 03/03A3 Parts and Accessories

or Springfield Sporters--> http://ssporters.com/parts/Springfield%201903.htm (Springfield Sporters' homepage seems to have broken links, so much for "maintenance")

D.

[Midmichigun]

Taylor,
I would check Mr. Beards genereous amount of information, at the top of this forum. You can probably track down the "correct" bolt for your serial number range, if you want to go that route.
As noted, Bonny Forge bolts abound...
1903A3 parts are very common.... enjoy and take photos!

[TaylorTN]

Thanks for the Info!!

I have looked at the correct appearance photos and that rifle looks just like the one I have. The wood in mine is a little darker but the greenish parkerization is in great shape with little, if any wear. I am looking for a new bolt that is blued......correct?

I am not as concerned with having a visually perfect specimen as I am with having a shootable piece.

[Calif-Steve]

i would try Springfield Sporters, who has bolt bodies, or The Dealers Warehouse in Modesto, CA. The Dealers Warehouse has/had nice complete bolts for cheap money. Good luck.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Thanks for the Info!!
I am looking for a new bolt that is blued......correct?

Welcome to the site Taylor

Yes, it should be the same bluish/blackish (oxide?) color as the other blued parts. Be a little careful if buying from a photo alone. The parked bolts are a brownish color but they're still a little shiny looking sometimes and may look blued in photos. (If you get one from Bill Ricca he'll know what's what)
I have another A3 that went through an arsenal rebuild and all blue parts were parked. (Bolt color below)

Also, I'd love to see photos of your rifle if you have some.

Thanks,
~ Harlan

[Emri]

The problem: the bolt was lost in his parents' estate sale over 10 yr ago.

I'd like to get it back into shooting shape but am not sure how to proceed.

DO contact Bill Ricca, he should have original finish parts and is a very nice fellow. If you want a "correct" one, a serial number will be needed because there are small differences between the years of manufacture. If you just want to shoot the rifle, almost any replacement bolt will do. Just make SURE to check the headspace with the gages you stated you have. A replacement bolt for the rifle you describe shouldn't be hard to find or be too expensive.

As Mike D said, welcome to the forum. How big is Dyserburg now ?? I used to live in Memphis and traveled through there when attending UT Martin back in the 1970's.

Good Luck !!

Emri