M1903 Build project (shooting results now up!)

[Chuckindenver]

thats the area were set back is common...and were it looses headspace. set back is from manual of arms practice...not from being fired

[Claven2]

Chuck, in your opinion, should I replace the bolt, or just set the headspeace on the new bbl to match the bolt? Bear in mind that getting replacement bolts in Canada is difficult as many US sources won't ship bolts, barrels or receivers to Canada.

[Claven2]

In other news, I've now located a nicer rear sight base and a proper M1903 dovetailed front sight base. Project getting closer to launch Still working on a more suitable receiver.

[Chuckindenver]

hard to say.. the set back wont get any better, id look for a A3 bolt..

[Claven2]

I have access to a new-looking straight-handle early 03 bolt. I'm assuming this would not be ideal though as it's likely a SHT bolt or period-incorrect for a refurb. No obvious heat code on the bolt root. looks to be rust-blued, not parkerized. Anyone able to ID it?

Bottom bolt in this photo.


Someone has chemically removed the blueing on the bolt body, only the handle is still rust blued (I could re-blue it if it's a worthwhile bolt to use).

Only marking is what looks like a capital "A" under the bolt handle:

This doesn't appear to be in the heat code charts, so no idea on an ID???

Underside compared to my other bolt (this new bolt on the left). Both are single-hole.


Noting on the bolt ledge.

[Claven2]

By the way, out of curiosity - what purpose does the little flat spring and peg do? I mean the little one that fits in a slot inside the receiver magwell near the back of the magazine?

This is the part I am talking about:

[Mike D]

That is the bolt stop. The "peg" protrudes through the receiver rail and catches a corresponding detent in the left lug of the bolt. If the rifle is pointed down, this should hold the bolt back for reloading.

The bolt stop and detent in the bolt were done away with during Rem '03 production, I believe.

[Claven2]

Also, I got the bbl off my SA low-number receiver. Very little set-back in the recesses and the receiver came off without any fuss. I sure wish there was an obvious way to know if the receiver forging was "burnt" or not...



Low number aside, it's actually a nice receiver with minimal wear, no major condition issues, etc.

[Claven2]

That is the bolt stop. The "peg" protrudes through the receiver rail and catches a corresponding detent in the left lug of the bolt. If the rifle is pointed down, this should hold the bolt back for reloading.

The bolt stop and detent in the bolt were done away with during Rem '03 production, I believe.

Ah, I see. I guess it engages one of the little detents under the right lug. I usually thing of the "bolt stop" as the cutoff since that part is what really stops bolt rearward travel.

[Rick the Librarian]

The bolt stop and detent in the bolt were done away with during Rem '03 production, I believe.

Earlier Remington M1903s had the bolt stop, but it was done away with about 3,040,000 IIRC.