Straight or curved handle

[RBruce]

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

Information

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[LeagleEagle]

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

[Mike D]

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

[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

[John Beard]

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

Straight handle.

J.B.

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

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

(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.

[RBruce]

Many thanks, Mr. Beard.