New member as a 1903 A1 followed me home from gun show

[browningautorifle]

Yes, it says Boyd's inside but I still think it's a nice one. I would like it just as it is because I could shoot it without worrying about collector value.

Information

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[Mike D]

Yes, it says Boyd's inside but I still think it's a nice one. I would like it just as it is because I could shoot it without worrying about collector value.

I completely agree. The rifle is a "mix-master". Nothing wrong with that. That's what kept them in the game.

The early bolts, like you have, are generally not considered safe for shooting. It might not headspace correctly, never know. A nickel steel bolt would go great with that rifle, but they can be pricey. A3 bolts are cheap, but personally, I would try to find a bolt with the swept look of the later SA bolts. Lots to choose from.

Besides the bolt, I would not change the rifle.

[wanderer32]

Anything on the trigger guard at all?

No Kurt, not in the open anyway. When I had the floor plate off the magazine there is a small s stamped in front of the trigger guard so I just took that to mean it was a springfield mfg stamp. Thank you for the reply and, Have a good evening.

Besides the bolt, I would not change the rifle.

I was wondering about that as I saw in my reading somewhere a change to different metal and bolt angle to distinguish it. I will go back to find the year and full reason why. And yes I will find a different bolt to be safe. Thank you Mike.

I would like it just as it is because I could shoot it without worrying about collector value.

Thank you Jim, I was kind of hoping to hit it lucky with this 1 but still very happy as I like its looks, wanted a 1903 and wont worry about the collector value as I shoot it. But will still take extra good care of it as the collector rifles have history and I see this 1 as have a little history from 3 or 4 rifles. If only each part could talk (lol). Just playing around here with a shell I am about 98% sure it will be a correct head space. Will check it at the gun shop tomorrow.

Regards, Larry H

[wanderer32]

OK I found a small s stamp on the bottom of the Bolt lock. Also looking at G Broker and other places for a complete bolt.

Larry H

[wanderer32]

Here is the s stamp under the floor plate and the trigger slot pin also spotted a fancy 2 stamped in top side of trigger and magazine housing.

Larry H