Do I need bolts thru new 03a3 stock?

[colreed]

Am swapping out a sporterized stock for a standard one. The sport stock has 2 bolts thru (see pics). The new stock has no holes, but does have 2 small pins at the same locations where the 2 bolts are on the sport stock. Do I need to create some holes in the new stock and swap the bolts over?
Thanks for any advice.
Reed

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[RBruce]

The stocks with bolts provide more strength against recoil. The pins were used to lower the cost, but were found not to be as effective as bolts. They were discontinued. A stock with bolt would be better, but pins may suffice. Are you trying to put the 03A3 back to the original configuration? If so you may want to determine if a pinned stock is proper for the SN of you rifle.

[colreed]

Thanks, RBruce,
Orig config would be nice. How can I find proper stock for my SN?

Attachment 20593

And, if I wanted to put the bolts in, it appears that the bolts only beef up the wood and do not interface with any metal inside the stock. Therefore, I would think that drilling the holes would not require exact location tolerences. What do you think?
Regards

[musketshooter]

I have replaced the pins with stock bolts. The trick is to drill along side the pins with a small drill, then drive the pins out, The new enlarged hole for the stock bolt will encompas the small drill hole. Don't try and drive the pin out without doing this. They are grooved and will not budge.

[colreed]

Thanks for the tip.
Regards
Reed

[Mike D]

It looks like your sporter stock was original to the rifle. Your rifles date of prod. is Dec. '43. Original stock should be marked with RA, FJA, crossed cannons, and circle P under grip.

I wouldn't mess with the pins on the other stock, its probably a Smith Corona, pins would be correct for it. It appears to have a rebuild stamp on it, "SAA"?

[colreed]

Mike,
Yes, it does have a FAA stamp on it. Good catch.
thanks for the advice.
Reed

[Harlan (Deceased)]

I read they went back to using bolts on the SC's because pins didn't hold up from the extra recoil of firing grenades and no 'give' with the butt positioned on the ground. (?)

[RBruce]

The rifle is middle 1943, and should have stock bolts. As mentioned above, it should be marked with crossed cannons and and a boxed FJA. There should be a P in a 7/16" circle on the lower wrist. It should have several inspection stamps forward of the trigger guard.

[Kirk]

Pinned stocks are well known for cracking at the tang and, inside, where the recoil lug seats. If you don't fell comfortable driving out & replacing the pins, find another stock with bolts. The reason pins were abandoned was that they were not strong enough to prevent the stock from cracking.