1903A3 bolt problem

[Outdoornut]

Hello,
I have a sporterized Remington 1903A3. I disassembled the bolt for cleaning (have done this before w/no problems), when I reassembled the bolt was almost impossible to cock. I had to pull the the firing pin back in order to cock the bolt. With it engaged it worked fine. Thought it may be a bad spring so that was replaced. Same problem, any suggestions? It seems there is too much tension on the spring.

Thanks,
Dale

 

[rcmodel]

Well, there is not too many ways to put an 03 striker assembly together wrong, so I'm somewhat mystified.

When you put it back together, did the cocking knob pull back normally so you can put the safety in the middle position to screw the bolt sleeve back in the bolt all the way?

The whole firing pin assembly should move freely (under spring tension) in the bolt sleeve before you put the safety to the middle position and screw it back in the bolt.

rc

 

[1KPerDay]

If you can get it back apart double check and make sure you get it back together correctly.

Here are a couple vids in case you're interested.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTeOxN_XX4A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48wNQbgVJBM&feature=related

 

[Outdoornut]

The reassembly is really straight forward, that's why I'm at a loss. It has a bueller safety so I have to put the striker in a padded vice to disassemble/reassemble. I've checked the vids (thanks) and other online pics and am not doing anything different- except the bueller safety. I actually cut the spring in 1/2 to get it to work, so I thought bad spring. Replaced it and same thing. Very confused???

 

[rcmodel]

Not putting the firing pin retainer collar on upside down are you?
It has to go on so it slips over the striker/FP joint to keep the firing pin in place.

If assembled backward I could see it causing all kinds of problems like that.

Other then that, the Bueller Safety may be improperly fitted and interfering with the cocking piece movement, even when Off.

I'm setting here playing with mine as we speak, and I can't figure anything besides one or the other that could do it.

How about you take the striker apart again and pop the safety clear out and try it?

BTW: I can take mine apart with my bare hands. No vice should be necessary.
Just pull the cocking piece back with you right hand and wedge your finger in place to keep it back.
Then press the bolt shroud lock in with your left thumb and unscrew the bolt body off of it.

rc

 

[Outdoornut]

I've attached a pic. I uninstalled the safety. I think it has to be the wrong spring. I can't pull the stricker with out putting it in a vice orputting the pin on wood and pushing REALLY hard on the sleeve. I'm going to order an original spring and the original safety, hope that works. :banghead:
Thanks

 

[rcmodel]

A stock used spring should be about 4 1/2" long and contain 35 coils.

Yours appears to be bigger around then it should be.
A stock spring says fairly flat & straight on the striker.
Yours appears to be kinking up as it doesn't fit the striker close enough, and may be binding inside the bolt.

I don't think there would be any reason to replace the safety if it checks out for proper function with the spring remove entirely.

rc

 

[Outdoornut]

The spring measures 5" and is 32 coils. I wanted to put a 3 positon safety back on so disassembly would be easier. Part's didn't show up today- we'll see tomorrow. Thanks again!

 

[rcmodel]

I think if you have the right spring, dissembly would be easy with the Bueller safety.

Like I said earlier, I have a low scope safety on mine, and I can take it apart with my bare hands.

rc

 

[ngnrd]

I've got a Buehler safety on mine, and I don't have any problems with disassembly. The hard disassembly and hard cocking are probably related, but I don't think your problems are because of the type of safety installed. Check to see if there's any binding without the spring. If not, I'd say it's a spring problem.

And, for the record, my free spring length is just shy of 4-1/4" with 33-1/2 coils.

 

[ngnrd]

And, has this problem been there since you've owned the rifle, or is it something new?

 

[Outdoornut]

No, this just started. No binding when the spring is removed, which is why I also thought it was the spring. Don't know why the original bound up though. Literally it was working fine and then it bound up- so I replaced it from Brownell's which I think is the wrong spring- measures 4.5" and 32 coils. Still waiting for the 2nd replacement.

 

[Markhmod1]

check the outer diameter of the spring. It might be too fat.

 

[Outdoornut]

Well the CORRECT spring came last night, which solved the main problem. Now I think it may be the firing pin itself. Installed spring worked great for about 3 cycles and then started binding up. Disassemble/reassemble- samething. Disassemble, spin firing pin and it works. My guess it must be slightly out of round- but looks good. This has been fun!

 

[1KPerDay]

Interesting. Keep us informed.

 

[rcmodel]

I think what I would do next is take a cleaning rod and several different sizes of bronze bore brushes, solvent, and an electric drill and clean the crap out of the inside of the bolt, from the threads in the back, all the way to the FP hole in the bolt face.

You may have some dried grease, caked dirt, or brass shavings off primers in there binding things up.

Should have suggested that in the first place, but I didn't think of it for some reason.

Another thing to check is:
If the bolt has had the bolt handle forged or welded to reshape it for scope clearance, look for welding slag, or deformed threads inside the bolt body. They may have got it too hot when they bent it.

rc