1903 Extractor Help

[tacofrank]

I need an extractor and my question is can I buy an NOS extractor and just put it on the bolt or does it need to be fitted? The one I have is smooth as silk when I load from the magazine, but if I just drop a round in and close the bolt there's some resistance that's not bad. when I switch extractors with my sons bolt it feeds great in both modes. Son won't trade! Lol!
Will a new one fix it.
I will/would appreciate any and all comments.
Thanks,
TacoFrank

Information

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[ssgross]

I have replaced an extractor on a 1903 with a new old stock one, with no fitting needed. I thought I could tell the difference at first, seemed "stiffer" when taking on and off, and seemed to make ejection more forceful, but after shooting for a while I can't tell the difference anymore.

[tacofrank]

Thanks guys I really appreciate your replies. Sounds like here is not enough resistance to worry about so I'll leave it alone. I loads beautifully from the mag and it's a shooter too.
Thanks Again,
TF

[butlersrangers]

The 1903 and 1903-A3 Springfield actions, both have a magazine cut-off.

This was so they could function as a 'single-shot', with a cartridge loaded directly into the chamber and the magazine contents held in reserve, until rapid magazine feed was needed.

The 1903 and 1903-A3 extractors are shaped to 'snap' over the base of a chambered round.
Rifles will vary in how smooth this happens.
It is likely your extractor will smooth up with use, or a little bit of 'stone work' to remove any burrs or surface roughness.
FWIW - I have installed several NOS Springfield extractors on S.A. 1903 and Remington '03-A3 bolts. It was easy and the parts worked well.

Out of habit, when 'single firing' bolt-guns with rimless cartridges, I invariably push the round down on the follower, (with magazine-empty), and feed the cartridge from the magazine. It makes for a smooth feed and less flexing of the extractor. (Rimmed cartridges, like the .30-40 Krag, I feed directly into the chamber. With Lee-Enfields, I press the cartridge down into the magazine).

I did put a couple of Remington marked extractors on a Remington Bolts and likely Springfield Armory extractors on S.A. Bolts. No fitting was necessary.

At around $15, a spare extractor is a useful part to have.

[tacofrank]

Thanks butlersrangers,
I like the idea of having a spare. I am going to order one now.
Thank you for your reply.
TF