new bolt body won't close on "GO" guage

[old_dood]

I bought a blued bolt body marked R under handle. When I received it I tried it on the rifle I was intending to use it on (1944 A3) and found it wouldn't close on the GO gauge (no extractor). I've since tried it on two other rifles, a 1930 '03 and a 1942 Rem. '03. the result was the same. Does this sound normal?

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[Calif-Steve]

It is possible you have a factory "long" bolt. They are around, not common. Any markings near the "R"?

[Jeff L]

Does it have a new barrel? Maybe it didn't get properly reamed upon installation.

-Jeff L

[old_dood]

It is possible you have a factory "long" bolt. They are around, not common. Any markings near the "R"?

yes, there's a punch mark a little higher up on the handle.

[old_dood]

Does it have a new barrel? Maybe it didn't get properly reamed upon installation.

-Jeff L

three different guns?

[Chuckindenver]

try another bolt, if it closes easy, then id say its your bolt.

[irishsteve]

If you have a mike check the dimensions against the bolts from the other rifles.If you find a overall length difference,or a difference in bolt lug dimensions then you have the answer.

[Parashooter]

Gauges are fine things for fitting barrels or inspecting racks of arms for service, purchase, or sale. If your intent, however, is simply to shoot a personal rifle you already own, all you really need to know is how your cartridges fit in it. Try checking your bolt by gently chambering sample cartridges from the batches you intend to shoot, most of which are likely to be somewhat shorter (head-shoulder) than your "GO" gauge. If the bolt closes easily on the cartridges, you don't really have a problem (at least until you run into some ammo that doesn't fit). If not, then it's time to find another bolt or ream the chamber deeper.

Remember that we shoot ammunition, not gauges.

[old_dood]

try another bolt, if it closes easy, then id say its your bolt.

of the three rifles I have. 2 '03s and 1 A3, I can take any bolt body, put in any rifle and they'll always close on the GO. Is the new bolt defective? were any counterfeited in China or wherever?

[old_dood]

Try checking your bolt by gently chambering sample cartridges from the batches you intend to shoot, most of which are likely to be somewhat shorter (head-shoulder) than your "GO" gauge. If the bolt closes easily on the cartridges, you don't really have a problem (at least until you run into some ammo that doesn't fit).

I closed it on a dummy round. It got stuck in the chamber. I had to knock it out with a cleaning rod down the muzzle.