03 reciever notch

[ed skeels]

Recently bought a 03 sporter for "conversion" to a Sniper. After disassembly I noticed some one had cut a notch into the receiver where the bolt handle contacts it.
Wondering why one would do that?
Any ideas?
Thanks
Ed

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Doco overboard]

It must have had an altered bolt handle at one time. The contour of the arm may have been rounded, or even flat but wouldn't fully close.

[ArtPahl]

Military rifles were modified for low scope mounting. It was necessary for rifles like the 1903 & A3 and 98 Mausers to forge (lower) the bolt handle to clear the scope. To avoid thinning the bolt handle excessively, a clearance notch was cut into the receiver to accomodate the modified bolt handle. I have several Springfield sporters and most of them have the notch you describe.

[ed skeels]

Thanks All for the info. For some reason I hadn't really looked at the bolt, but it has been lowered and dropped down. Looks like a really nice job.
Actually it will work out great in the end for clearance on the faux Unertl.
Regards
Ed