03A3 bolt

[PWC]

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.

Not everyone can 'just' go online and buy stuff; but thanks anyway.

[rcathey]

Not everyone can 'just' go online and buy stuff; but thanks anyway.

Alrighty.
Have you explored this theory?:
http://forums.thecmp.org/archive/index.php/t-67981.html

Valve lapping compound is only $4, give or take. If the spring is indeed the issue, though, the only way to fix it will be to buy the replacement part. Not sure I see any way around that.

[AZshot]

For a "buttery smooth" 03 try butter instead of grease. Seriously, the Krag was smooth, relative to the springfield.

[Col. Colt]

And it may not be the springs, but rough cocking cams. Get the US GI Technical Manual (the one the Armorers used) for your rifle, and while you are at it a GI Field Manual, too. (You should have one of each for every US Martial Arm you buy - makes life a lot easier and more fun. Everything is laid out on how to correct hard bolt lift in there - Uncle Sam knew his equipment well. CC