Springfield 1903 bayonet does not fit.

[BigArtie]

I have a 1903 Springfield serial # 56825. I have tried to mount the bayonet, but it will not click on over the mounting lug. I have tried two different Springfield 20" bayonets. Has anyone else ever run into this problem? Is it possible I need to file down the bayonet lug in order for it to fit? It is short by only a fraction of an inch.
Thanks for any help you can offer me.

Information

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[Dad]

Hate to ask, but you do have a M1905 bayonet and not a M1917? Has the bayonet lug/front band been replaced with a repro? Is the bayonet a repro? Are there any burrs or dents on the lug? Pictures of the lug, bayonet?

D.

[BigArtie]

The bayonet is an original Springfield, 16" blade, 4" handle with wood grips, leather scabbard, not a reproduction. On one side of the blade is written SA, below is the flaming bomb symbol, under that 1915. Other side of the blade says US, under that the number 611477. It is not an M1917 bayonet.

It doesn't appear the bayonet lug/front band has been replaced with a repro, but I can not be certain. Looks old and original. How would I tell it is a repro and if it is does that mean only a repro bayo will fit? The lug has the letter H stamped into it.

I believe the rifle was produced in 1904 and they originally were fitted for the rod bayonet. Could this have something to do with my problem?

Thanks for taking the time to answer me.

[browningautorifle]

I wouldn't go filing anything until you have someone else look at it.

[BigArtie]

There's a gunsmith a couple of miles from me. Maybe I'll let him look at it.

[Dad]

BigArtie,
I agree, you shouldn't go filing anything until the cause of the interference is found or you have it looked at by someone with experience. Per Brophy your rifle's receiver was serialized in 1905 and the bayonet s/n is from 1915. The upper band (bayonet band/lug) did not get the "H" marking until 1908, it signifies that it is hardened. When you say "it will not click on over the mounting lug" do you mean that you can insert it but it will not click/lock or that you can't insert the upper band lug into the bayonet slot?

D.

[BigArtie]

The bayonet slot slides over the lug, but it is a fraction of an inch from clicking / locking. The slot inside the bayo handle appears to be a bit rounded at the corners, whereas the lug seems a bit square at the corners.

Years ago I had a Springfield 03A3 and never had this problem, bayonet fit perfectly.

[Dad]

BigArtie,
Both the forward end of the slot in my bayonet and the forward end of the lug of the upper band of my Springfield are "rounded". In fact they "nest". What part of your lug is "square" the forward end of "big fat part" or forward end of the thin web?

D.

[BigArtie]

The end facing the muzzle is slightly rounder on the corners, the end facing the receiver is squared off.

On the back side of the lug where the H is stamped I can see where the catch hook on the bayonet is sliding, it's making a skid mark. Like I said it is only a fraction of an inch from locking in.

A few weeks ago I purchased an original 20" Springfield bayonet on Ebay.com. Would not fit the lug. The guy I bought it from couldn't understand it as he has a Springfield and it fit his rifle. I asked him for a refund, which he gave me, unhappily. The bayo I have now I purchased through GunBroker.com, but it is too late to return it to the seller. I really don't think I have to as the bayo should fit, but it doesn't, for reasons unknown.

[Dad]

Ok BigArtie,
Check to see if you have debris, dried grease, mud or other junk inside the bayonet's slot. Specially in the far end away from the muzzle. Stuff can be really compacted in there if nobody has taken care of the bayonet. If there is stuff in there it could be keeping the upper band lug from being fully inserted into the bayonet.

D.