1903-A3 bolt falls out

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Babarsac

Babarsac

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I inherited a nice Remington 1903A3 sporter that had been my grandfathers. He bought it in the late 50's for $17 and put a Redfield peep sight on it. When I rotate and pull the bolt back I'm able to pull it completely out of the rifle without depressing the trigger. The bolt looks like a replacement (not USGI) so I'm wondering if a replacement is in order.

In short I'm thinking of restoring it to mil-spec. I was going to build a faux 1903A4 but I can't bring myself to drill into my grandpa's rifle.

I know this thread is worthless without pics but I'll get some up this evening.
 
Yes sir, that's what that is. :D

Don't feel too bad, I did the same thing to my father once as a kid, just for a laugh. Spend some quality time with the rifle, they are a fantastic system (in my mind) and the familiarity can not hurt.
 
Ok I got the cut-off switch figured out now ;)

Now for your viewing pleasure.

DSCF0012.gif
DSCF0014.gif
DSCF0018.gif
DSCF0023.gif

In the last picture there is a hole in the left side of the receiver. Is this normal?
 
The hole is to vent gas in case of a blown primer or split case. Standard equipment.

It would be a major project to "re-mil" this rifle.
Sights have been changed out, front and rear. I can't tell if the barrel has been shortened or drawfiled to remove the steps and cuts at the muzzle for the GI front.
Metal has been polished bright.
The bolt handle may have been bent for eventual installation of a scope.

I'd leave it like Grandpa liked it.
 
I found someone local that's done a lot of work on 1903's so we'll take a look to see what's been done to the barrel. If it's feasible he already has the G.I. parts to put on the rifle.
 
Good point. I'm probably better off learning how to use the peep sights then spending my money on rebuilding my Garand.
 
Good point. I'm probably better off learning how to use the peep sights then spending my money on rebuilding my Garand.
Click to expand...

Good idea, I think you're on the right track. :)
 
I highly recommend that you keep it in its present condition. I fear that you will end up cursing yourself for changing it later on...besides it will cost a fortune to restore, not to mention that it is just fine as is (and better for using it as a sporting rifle, as was undoubtedly intended). Keep it like grandpa made it...and spring for the Garand for the useless (but fun) throwback...or better yet a M1 Carbine that is somewhat useful.

:)
 
Oh I've already got a Garand and Carbine but I definitely wouldn't call either useless. Both are a mish-mash of parts but function perfectly, however they could use some cosmetic work.
 
Oops...misread that...thought it was "buying" a Garand...I see it is rebuilding (I assume that you mean fitting the "correct" parts). Still the way to go IMO.

Don't get me wrong I like both M1s, but they are limited in practical use, god for target work, fun to shoot, and the carbine makes a superb HD carbine, but both are limited in any practical hunting role (you can certainly use it one, but it is far from ideal IMO).

:)
 
Nice rifle. My dad did about the same thing to a Rock Island he paid $12 for in 1946, except it has a bird's eye maple stock.

He eventually shot the barrel out and I had it rebarreled to .270 AI after I inherited it.
 
It would not look right restored.

The outside has been polished smooth. Originals are rough. It has been drilled and tapped.

Can't see the rear dovetail, often these were ground down.

Leave it alone, or if you can't help yourself, install scope mounts, a high quality barrel, and bed the action.

I always recommend installing a 20 pound Wolff mainspring. After you do, you will realise that the old mainspring had lost its compression.

The stock looks like a Bishop.
Speaking of which, you may want to look into a nice trigger (set?) for the '03.
Click to expand...

I prefer the military two stage with a new mainspring. Old mainsprings take a set, often installing a new mainspring will return the second stage to a crisp release.

I am not a fan of aftermarket over ride triggers. There is very little metal holding the sear in place. The military two stage triggers have a lot of metal to shear through before the cocking piece goes forward. You can bayonet and buttstroke and the trigger will not over ride. Can't say that of over ride triggers, and people often set over ride triggers too light, so that slamming the bolt forward creates an over ride.
 
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Mighty fine looking work. Wish mine looked that good. Twenty yrs of field work has taken its toll. Replaced it a few yrs ago with a Ruger 77 stainless w/ composite stock in '06 naturally.
 
From the above I can't see where the receiver is drilled and tapped at all?
Click to expand...

Nice rifle. My screen is so fuzzy I can't tell if the rear sight has been glued on or not. I also cannot see enough to tell if the dovetail is still there.

Usually not.

Usually there is a screw under the slide. Might be two, the Lyman 48S has one under the slide and one in the base, (best recollection). Your sight looks more like a Redfield configuration.
 
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