Bolt Sleeve

[armabill]

I understand about the detents and the tunnel but I'm puzzled about the grooves. Where are they located on the sleeve?

Mainly the 03A3 sleeve. I want to make sure that I get the right one.

Information

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[JGaynor]

The first thing to look for when selecting an 03A3 bolt sleeve is the manufacturer. Remington or Smith Corona

Remington sleeve will be marked with an "R" usually on the right side. most Remington sleeves have fairly distinct tool marks. Viewed from the right side for example they sweep down from 1'oclock to about 7 o'clock on the large flat sides. The profile of the safety tunnel is straight.

LC Smith and Corona Typewriter sleeves have distinctive scallops on the outside of the safety tunnel. LC S & C subcontracted or used satellite plaants to manufacture many components, Some sleeves are marked with a "G" (Groton, NY) and some are marked "BF" (Bonney Forge). There may well be others and possibly some sleeves are even unmarked. Hopefully some of the smith corona experts will weigh in.

Regards,

Jim

[armabill]

The sleeve that is on my rifle is unmarked. It has a baked on black finished that is really hard and has a straight tunnel.
It looks like a Remington.

I have read where the sleeve can have 2 or 3 grooves. I looked all over the sleeve and I don't see these grooves. The detents I see, 3 of them, but not the grooves except the one where the detents are located.

Obviously my bolt sleeve has been re-finished but I would like to have one with the "R" on it. The "R" may be under the finish but like I said, it's really a hard coating. Scraping it with a small screw driver didn't even make a mark on it.

So instead of messing it up, I'll replace it. That's why I want to get all the info on the sleeve so that I can get the right one the first time.

[John Beard]

Some sleeves are marked "BF" (Bonney Forge).
Regards,

Jim

Jim,

If you have seen a bolt sleeve marked "BF", then you have seen something that I have not. I am not aware of Bonney Forge making any bolt sleeves. I have, however, seen many Smith-Corona-style bolt sleeves marked "B.P." Those are made by the Bay Products Co. as spare replacements for use in overhaul. Bay Products had no known relationship with Smith-Corona.

For your info.

J.B.

[JGaynor]

JOHN, You're right i was working from memory which is increasingly faulty. As to the OP'S original question i suppose the "groove" he is talking about is the single annular groove where the safety plunger rides. Except for really early (pre 1905 rifles) I believe they are all basically the same. Correct?

Regards,

Jim

[sakorick]

My SC '03 bolt sleeve is G marked and I have seen several with no marks. In regards to the safety plunger groove the SC 03A3 groove is flat on the fire and safe location and smooth arc on top. The Remington 03 groove is a complete arc with small detents milled out at the 9, 12 and 3 O'clock position that hold the saftey in place. Not sure about the Remington 03A3. If he is asking about the lightning cuts, only the SC has these. Regards, Rick.

[armabill]

"The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle And It's Variations" book by Joe Poyer (3rd edition).

On page 211 for 1903A3:
Type 2 has 3 grooves and detents.
Type 3 has 2 grooves and detents.

Where are these grooves that he's talking about? Pics would help.

[JGaynor]

I think the issue is with your reference book not your bolt sleeve. If i can make a suggestion. Send an email to billricca.com. Tell him the make of your rifle, the finish you want - blue or parked and the degree of wear. Or you could visit the next Allentown show. Bill usually has a table and so do a couple of other parts dealers.

If you make the trip Check out the Rutgers Book Center table. They have a number of Springfield references

Regards,

Jim

[armabill]

Yeah, I think that the terminology that he's using is what's confusing me. I just want to make sure that I get the correct part for my rifle.

I plan on going to the York gun show next weekend and I'll look up the parts guys there.