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  1. #1
    Legacy Member PWC's Avatar
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    03A3 bolt

    I've always heard about how the 03 pre war 1 had a 'buttery smooth' action. I have never had the chance to try an 03, but I do own a '43 03A3. The bolt is probably not original with the receiver, the numbers don't all match, but it is a good shooter. It has always seemed to be a little hard to lift the bolt especially in prone. I guess the easiest way to describe it is when lifting, it is like a long trigger pull with lots of creep.

    I have had the opportunity to shoot a Brit 303 which had a much lower bolt lift because of the cock on close function.

    Is there anything that can be done to smooth the bolt lift? I am not a fan of cutting springs, or speed locks. How long is an 03A3 striker spring? an 03? a 1917?
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    Advisory Panel Chuckindenver's Avatar
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    are you asking about the A3? or the Britishicon rifle?
    warpath metal finishing contact info.
    molinenorski@msn.com
    720-841-1399 during normal bus, hours.

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  5. #3
    Legacy Member PWC's Avatar
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    I'm asking about the 03A3...I thought the subject indicated that

    I'm asking for help with the bolt lift AND how long ar the springs for the 03, the 03A3 and the 1917 in case someone before me changed springs.
    Last edited by PWC; 08-21-2018 at 11:24 AM. Reason: clarification

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    Advisory Panel Chuckindenver's Avatar
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    the 1917 springs are longer and larger, and can be swaped,, however, will make the operation of the 1903A3 much harder to work,
    a new G.I. spring.. not Wolf or after market would work best, even a good used real G.I spring that you know is right would be ok.
    its common to have an after market or 17 spring that someone mistakenly installed in an 03..
    warpath metal finishing contact info.
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    720-841-1399 during normal bus, hours.

  7. Thank You to Chuckindenver For This Useful Post:


  8. #5
    Legacy Member PWC's Avatar
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    Thread Starter
    That's good information, BUT how long are the springs? I need to know to check against mine?

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    Legacy Member Jonzie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by PWC View Post
    , BUT how long are the springs?
    This manual says approximately 5 5/8 inches long.

    https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=20877

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    Legacy Member PWC's Avatar
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    Jonzie - Thank you so much; finally got the answer and SO MUCHMORE.

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    Legacy Member Jonzie's Avatar
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    Glad to help

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    Legacy Member PWC's Avatar
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    That's what I'm afraid of. The bolt lift is hard and I can barely get the collar and pin on/off. When cocked, all the coils are touching each other. uncompressed length is 4 1/2" but I didn't measure the wire dia.

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    Contributing Member rcathey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by PWC View Post
    That's what I'm afraid of. The bolt lift is hard and I can barely get the collar and pin on/off. When cocked, all the coils are touching each other. uncompressed length is 4 1/2" but I didn't measure the wire dia.
    Not to be insensitive..but if you really believe this is the issue why not just buy a NOS USGI spring? You can buy them all day long on eBay for about 8 bucks. Skip a couple beers the next time you’re out to dinner and you’ll be money ahead.

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