New Member and his toys

[bjarrett]

New to the Forum and thought I would show some of my collection. The 1903A3 is 1/44 build,keystone c stock,milled floor plate. The Garand is a CMP special, H&R with LMR barrel. The Thompson is a registered M1 full auto, The 1911 is a 1917 built colt. I've had the Thompson and the 1911 for about 20 years and have shot the Thompson a lot but I shoot a new colt 1911. I was never excited about military bolt guns because I'm left handed but a few months ago I came across the 1903A3 and it was in such excellent shape I bought it. I really enjoy shooting the A3 so I then decided I needed a Garand also. Having fun shooting all of them and the Forum was helpful in deciding on the Garand I wanted and now for my search for a new toy.

Information

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[bjarrett]

The one odd piece on My 1903A3 is the cocking knob. I can't find a photo of one like this that has only straight serrations and no circumference grooves. Any ideas ?

[Rick the Librarian]

A 1903 (not 1903A3) replacement.

[bjarrett]

I figured it is an 03 part because of the other 03 parts on on the rifle and because of the dip in the shaft. I'm not sure what you are saying, are you saying that this style was used as replacements on 03's, not on inial factory rifles. If it was used post WW2 looks like it would have been cheaper to use plentiful surplus parts instead of making another one.I have look at a lot of photos and have not found this style. I have looked at NOS cockers and have not found it. What I'm asking is when this cocker was made. Thanks

[JGaynor]

I posted this pic on behalf of another board member six or seven years ago. he had forwarded an array of 03 and 03 A3 firing pins.
What identifies this as an 03 Pin is the dished area on the coking piece. 03-A3 cocking pieces, both the two and three piece type are straight back to the knurled section.

Regards,

Jim

[bjarrett]

Thanks that helps. Mine has no markings on it either. Since it was six or seven years ago since the last reference ,must have been a very small contract. It must have been made during the time period of the 03's because of all of the surplus parts available post war. The previous owner of my A3 said it came from the DCM in the 60's but I bought the rifle (not the story) because every part on the rifle was in mint condition that didn't look refinished.

[JGaynor]

Early Remington 03 pattern copied from RIA


WW2 3piece replacement contract Mfr


WW2 two piece cut away


WW2 three piece cutaway (made with screw machine parts)


Just incase the foregoing post was a little confusing.

Regards,
Jim

[bjarrett]

Thanks for the information on the types of rod assemblies, those are great cutaway photos. I haven't had my bolt completely apart yet,just enough to check the spring and striker and lube. The cocking piece is the only non R part in the bolt. It didn't bother me when I bought the gun that it didn't have all A3 parts . I like the A3 sights and the parts that are 03 are the ones that I would like to be 03 anyway. The cocking piece puzzled me though because I couldn't find one like it until your photo.
Also one other item I'm confused on is the bolt is marked (stamped) like an A3 but instead of having a lathe area around the safety lug it is hand fitted like a 03 .

[bjarrett]

To clarify my last question. How common would it be that Remington would pull a 1903a3 bolt off the line after putting the manufacture stamps on the bolt but before it is lathe cut around the safety lug ? Did they do that to save some for 03 replacements later on ? Thanks

[Mike D]

Nice rifles, and welcome!

Got any closer photos of the bolt?

Mike