for the Nat ord, Santa Fe shooters

[Johnny Peppers]

If I was a betting man, I would bet that a low number 1903 receiver would not have survived the case head failure shown. Hatcher attributes most of the failures of the low number 1903's to case head failure, so not much conjecture is needed.

[lovemymilsurps]

i was that shooter of that exploded rifle, i was using factory ammo and it was a national ordnance.

hey, how was i being a smart arse? lol

the cause of the case head seperation was due to improper headspace which was caused by the softness of the receiver. the front and rear locking lugs started to indent from pressure of being fired which lead to excessive headspace.

[JimF in CT]

Where is the "rear" locking lug on an '03-A3??? --Jim

[Art]

The rear locking or safety lug is located at the rear of the extractor spring just in front of the rear reciever ring on the right side when the bolt is closed.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

i was that shooter of that exploded rifle, i was using factory ammo and it was a national ordnance.

hey, how was i being a smart arse? lol

the cause of the case head seperation was due to improper headspace which was caused by the softness of the receiver. the front and rear locking lugs started to indent from pressure of being fired which lead to excessive headspace.

I'm just happy you're alright!

BE CAREFUL and always use hearing/eye protection OK?

[JimF in CT]

That's NOT a "locking" lug . . . .only a "safety" lug!

The book says you must have a MINIMUM of .004" clearance at the safety lug/receiver bridge interface.

The '03 Springfield (and the follow-on '03-A3) only have two locking lugs . . . BOTH up FRONT!! --Jim

[slamfire1]

I had a National Ordnance 03A3, serial number 5,001,680 .

It was one of the first rifles I ever purchased. I had read "Bolt Action Rifles by Frank De Haas", and his nice little quote of these receivers being given a "clean bill of health".

What an irresponsible load of CCCC. Shill gunwriters just won't call a spade a spade for fear of upsetting someone important.

The headspace on my National Ordnance increased as the rifle was fired. It became more and more difficult to open the bolt, as the bolt peened its way into the receiver.

I traded the rifle away. Today I would strip it for the GI parts.

An interesting read on the history or National Ordnance.

The granular finish on the carbine receivers is similar to the A3 I owned.

National Ordnance M1 Carbine

If you shoot enough, you will learn that you need to wear shooting glasses. I have had two out of battery slamfires in Garands. In the first slamfire, my glasses were pitted from brass particles. Later I put on the glasses and aimed a Garand at a mirror. From the pit, I was able to determine that one brass particle would have gone straight down my pupil. The second slamfire, the blown off rear section of the receiver shattered my glasses. Still, no brass particles got in my eyes.

I also have had pierced primers in M70's. That action blows hot gas directly down the firing pin shaft and into your eye. Glasses protected me again.

If you notice, David Tubb is always wearing shooting glasses. I have no doubt he learned the hard way.

[Calif-Steve]

I thought the Nat Ord receivers were cast in Los Angeles, CA in the late 1960's. They were not made to any quality standards. I am sure the steel was whatever was available locally. Perhaps used car parts? The good part of the story was they used real USGI parts on their receivers. Real bolt and rear barrel. They actually make a nice parts kit. If the receivers are beginning to fail, then let the shooter beware. Remember, they are a nice parts kit.

[Chuckindenver]

well,
if you look at the first picture of the lead post. you show a Nat Ord , in its military trim, then after i say dont shoot the rifle,
you show the pictures of what i thought to be another rifle, with a scope mounted.
then blame me for not warning you sooner?? when all along iv been telling every one on a public forum NOT TO SHOOT THEM!!.
had you just asked me before you went out and shot the rifle, and took my advise, you would have never got hurt...
FYI: id avoid any gunsmith that welling to Drill and tap a Nat ord receiver..
so, if in fact they are one in the same rifle, i am mistaken for the smart ars comment...they are just too common today on the net.
however. i stand by my assesment of the Nat Ord, and Santa Fe receivers as being unsafe to shoot and being a POS...:}
i too am glad you survived without a seriuos injury..to be able tolearn and shoot another day.
once again, for the guys that flamed my over the past few years for my harsh comments on Nat Ord receivers....nanner nanner nanner..lol.

[Chuckindenver]

also,
Nat ord, Santafe arms. cast receivers Carbines, A3,s and Garands were sand cast , and made in Spain. not investment cast like the Ruger 77, Browning BLR, and early Savage receivers.
the investement cast heat treated receivers work very well, fit nice, and look nice.
i own a few Rugers, and have yet to have an issue with them.
i dont feel the same for the Browning...but not do to its steel, only the company, and how it markets the POS of a rifle they sell now.