1903 bolt replacement

[43Ejumper]

Found a 1903 at a shop brought in by a farmer..stock was trash, but receiver and barrel in good shape..just needed a good shooter, not collector...serial #957719, barrel SA 6-l8..had it parkerized and ordered a CMP stock..Again just wanted a shooter...got it back and DUH!!!!..didn't look closely at the bolt!..straight handle, "I" marked!...Vi shooter suggests L2, L5, L9..So since it had this "I" bolt in it for, I guess a long time, is it safe to shoot and if not, where can I get a correct bolt?..Thanks, Bill..

[Fred]

You might try eBay or Gunbroker. A J 5 would be correct as well as maybe a C 8. One J 5 and two C 8's are currently available.

[Randy A]

If I were to take a SWAG at the actual production date of your rifle, I'd guess August or September, straight handled C8 or J5, bent handle came along later. Hopefully JB will comment.

[Mike D]

Bill - Those early bolts are overpriced. If you have already refinished the rifle and are getting a repro stock, you don't need "correct", ANY 1903 or 1903A3 bolt will work.

Find one that is complete and cheap, then have it parked to match the receiver.

Here is an example of complete and cheap - http://www.ebay.com/itm/SPRINGFIELD-1903-1903A3-COMPLETS-BOLT-old-inventory-/271271206315?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f29061dab

Mike