Is this common on an O#a3 Bolt?

[Brother_Love]

It appears to be a flaw in the finishing of the bolt but it operatres very smoothly. Being a newbie, I just wanted to check on it. Thank you, Malcolm (o3a3, not 0#a3)

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q225/revrun4/20130517_3_zps84c428d5.jpg (http://s137.photobucket.com/user/revrun4/media/20130517_3_zps84c428d5.jpg.html)

[chuckindenver]

looks like a crack, likely from manual of arms use, or a case head failure...i would find a replacement

[Brother_Love]

Another photo. Chuck, thank you, do you think it could be a raised area that was not machined properly? I have been around here enough to know you are an expert on these. I posted a new photo so you could see a close-up. If you still say its a crack, I will be bolt shopping this afternoon.

Regards, malcolm

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q225/revrun4/20130517_4_zps2be14262.jpg (http://s137.photobucket.com/user/revrun4/media/20130517_4_zps2be14262.jpg.html)

[Allen Humphrey]

Looks pretty sketchy from the pics. I'd buy a bolt. Not woth the risk for $40 fix.

[Brother_Love]

Yep, After my last post I started looking. Any suggestions where to look first? Thanks

[Brother_Love]

What about these?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/WWII-Bare-Stripped-Rifle-Bolt-1903-03A3-marked-R-no-aluminum-packaging-/130896769253?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e7a0e30e5
http://shop.ernstarmory.com/product.sc?productId=2&categoryId=40

[Rick the Librarian]

If you are just looking for a "shooter" bolt body, I've got a nice one - a 03A3 but for some reason, no markings. PM/email me.

RtL

[tanker trash]

looks like a recovered drill rifle bolt to me. that is weld metal showing. although I will say I have a genuine 03A3 that has the rear sight dovetail repaired by welding and I am positive it was done during wartime. Too much force in that area, replace it

[mhb]

What it looks like to me is a burr which was not removed after fairly rough machining - not untypical of WW2 production.
See if you can get a small screwdriver blade, or the edge of a knife under the burr and lift it up - if it is a burr, you can remove it by flaking it off, and smooth the remaining edge on the bolt body with a small stone or fine file.
mhb - Mike

[Devil Dog]

I can't imagine how a STANDARD collar would fit on that bolt and turn freely after you would somehow get the extractor on.

[Brother_Love]

Ok, I have to admit I am an idiot. As you can see in these 2 photos whatever the build-up, perceived flaw or possible machining error is not there now. It did flake off with edge of a knife and the bolt is fine. I, on the other hand am red-faced because I have been an idiot.

Sorry for all the trouble but thanks for your help.

Malcolm

Before cleaning:
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q225/revrun4/20130517_4_zps1289338c.jpg (http://s137.photobucket.com/user/revrun4/media/20130517_4_zps1289338c.jpg.html)

After cleaning:
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q225/revrun4/20130517_18_zps029a680c.jpg (http://s137.photobucket.com/user/revrun4/media/20130517_18_zps029a680c.jpg.html)

[Rick the Librarian]

There is nothing to feel bad about ... it happens to all of us, and not just when we were new to M1903s. I get accused of "sniffing too much bore cleaner" for some of my statements on a recurring basis! :D

[rebound]

Not to ask the question when you don't know the answer is stupid... Not the other way around..........

[TomWatts]

On the other hand you do have to give it up for MHB; smooth call! :icon_salut:

[Weasel]

Don't beat yourself up over this, we live and learn from mistakes. It's not a mistake if you ask what you would think a stupid question, it a mistake if you don't ask what you would think a stupid question. If you don't ask you will never know the answer for sure.

[chuckindenver]

looks like some set back as well...look at the rear side of the locking lug, were the ejector rides..

[mhb]

shows any real evidence of setback. What you can see is the usual clobber mark where the left (slotted) lug impacts the cutoff when the bolt is operated forcefully, and that appears to be minor.

True setback would affect both lugs, and would not be obvious to visual inspection - it would have to be determined by checking headspace in the rifle and/or measuring the bolt itself. So long as headspace as measured in the rifle is within tolerance, there should be no problem.

mhb - Mike

[Brother_Love]

Chuck,
Here are a couple of photos. Setback? Please educate me on this. Is it safe?
Malcolm

looks like some set back as well...look at the rear side of the locking lug, were the ejector rides..

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q225/revrun4/20130520_2_zps8635201d.jpg (http://s137.photobucket.com/user/revrun4/media/20130520_2_zps8635201d.jpg.html)
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q225/revrun4/20130520_6_zpsb5214da1.jpg (http://s137.photobucket.com/user/revrun4/media/20130520_6_zpsb5214da1.jpg.html)

[mhb]

you were apparently typing at the same time I was.

The right lug looks fine, and I don't believe you have any problem, from visible evidence.

mhb - Mike

[Brother_Love]

Mike,
Thank you. I will refrain from asking anymore questions for a day or two. I know I am about to worry you guys to death with all these questions.
Regards, Malcolm


you were apparently typing at the same time I was.

The right lug looks fine, and I don't believe you have any problem, from visible evidence.

mhb - Mike

[mhb]

about overtaxing the resources of the forum. You should have already noticed that there is always at least one of the 'usual suspects' ready and willing at any time to provide some sort of response to any query.

I think most of us participate for the same basic reasons: shared interests, and the availability of time to actually discuss them.

So... 'Pack up the babies and bring the old ladies, 'cause everyone goes -
Everyone knows _______ _______ _____.' :icon_wink:

mhb - Mike

[Brother_Love]

So... 'Pack up the babies and bring the old ladies, 'cause everyone goes -
Everyone knows _______ _______ _____.'

Yep, exactly where I lifted the monicker. That is the vocation I serve:icon_wink::wave:

[mhb]

Having been raised in the South (Texas), quite a while back, I remember the summertime flurry of tent revival meetings very well.
The most outstanding memory I have of one such was that which was set-up in an open field in Grand Prairie, TX, right next door to the rifle range. The amplified voice of the preacher was louder than the gunfire, so we on the range could appreciate the entire sermon.
I believe it really was loud enough to raise the dead, if that were possible, and can tell you that, no matter how many in the congregation came to Jesus that day, the Devil took a terrible beating.

mhb - Mike

[Kurt]

mhb, Ya just had to do that didn't ya?

So... ''Pack up the babies and bring the old ladies, 'cause everyone goes -
Everyone knows _______ _______ _____.''

[Brother_Love]

Hey Guys,
I just came back from the back forty. I sent 40 rds downrange, 1 box of factory Federal 150 grain and 20 cast reloads. The rifle performed beautifully and was "minute of milk jug" and I blew up a couple of fresh cow pies too.
Thanks for all the help.
Malcolm

[mhb]

Yes.

The devil made me do it.

mhb - Mike


mhb, Ya just had to do that didn't ya?

So... ''Pack up the babies and bring the old ladies, 'cause everyone goes -
Everyone knows _______ _______ _____.''

[mhb]

Glad to be of help. Hope to see you around the place again.
Mind the cows.

mhb - Mike

[chuckindenver]

bolt set back is on the other side, were the ejector notch is cut through, set back is from the back of that locking lug slamming into the cut off.

[Brother_Love]

I know what I said about more questions but I got another one. If you guys weren't so helpful I might not ask so many questions.

Is the gap between the bolt lug and receiver shown here normal?
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q225/revrun4/20130521_5_zpsd6b05f88.jpg (http://s137.photobucket.com/user/revrun4/media/20130521_5_zpsd6b05f88.jpg.html)

Thanks again (and probably not the last question), Malcolm

[mhb]

for an 03A3 - these bolts were typically made with a much larger gap between the safety lug and the receiver than the original 1903 bolts, which is acceptable, considering that the safety lug's function (aside from providing some guidance for the bolt in its travel) is to keep the bolt in the receiver (and out of the shooter's face) in the event of failure of the locking lugs themselves.

mhb - Mike


I know what I said about more questions but I got another one. If you guys weren't so helpful I might not ask so many questions.

Is the gap between the bolt lug and receiver shown here normal?
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q225/revrun4/20130521_5_zpsd6b05f88.jpg (http://s137.photobucket.com/user/revrun4/media/20130521_5_zpsd6b05f88.jpg.html)

Thanks again (and probably not the last question), Malcolm

[Brother_Love]

Thanks Mike. BTW, I checked headspace on the rifle today and it was perfect (with the extractor removed). Malcolm