03A3 bolt

[BEAR]

Can anyone tell me when Remington started putting the A3 bolt in the 1903s (approximate serial number range) or did they not use them in the 03s.

BEAR

[John Beard]

Can anyone tell me when Remington started putting the A3 bolt in the 1903s (approximate serial number range) or did they not use them in the 03s.

BEAR

The problem with your question is that there's what you would consider '03 bolts, '03-A3 bolts, and bolts in between. So which did you have in mind?

To answer your second question, yes, Remington fitted later production M1903's with what you would consider an M'03-A3 bolt.

I have a data base of Remington bolts and they have numerous design changes that can only be described with photographs.

J.B.

[BEAR]

Thanks Mr. Beard.

I had not considered a variety of design changes. I just assumed the changes were like the stamped parts. Yesterday you were milled ... today you are stamped.

I was just wondering what type of bolt a Rem. 03 in the 3.2 mil range would have carried.

BEAR

[Rick the Librarian]

Although I don't know nearly what John does about the subject, I do know there were few "today, one way, tomorrow another" changes when it came to Remington M1903s!! :)

[John Beard]

Thanks Mr. Beard.

I had not considered a variety of design changes. I just assumed the changes were like the stamped parts. Yesterday you were milled ... today you are stamped.

I was just wondering what type of bolt a Rem. 03 in the 3.2 mil range would have carried.

BEAR

The correct bolt for a Remington in the 3.2 mil range would have the following:

(1) M'03-A3 style undercutting along the bolt body.
(2) Be marked with a small "R" underneath the handle (as opposed with a large "R" or an "R" with an elongated loop).
(3) The ejector slot in the left locking lug would have a rounded bottom.
(4) A stamped extractor collar.
(5) A large gas escape hole.
(6) No bolt stop detents.
(7) A scalloped safety lug
(8) And if it's a later rifle, it might have a "42" stamped underneath the handle.

Good Luck!

J.B.

[BEAR]

Thank you Mr. Beard and Rick. This is exactly what I am looking for. Tonight I will post some pictures of a bolt body I think is correct.

Would this rifle also have a stamped follower?

BEAR

[BEAR]

Would this bolt body be correct for a 3.2 mil. Remington 1903:
4081340814408154081640817

[John Beard]

I left off two additional features:

(9) The bolt should have nothing stamped atop the handle.
(10) The bolt should have a smooth blue finish.

Your bolt has all the correct features EXCEPT nos. (3), (9), and (10). No. (8) is optional.

J.B.

[BEAR]

Thank you again, Mr. Beard.

Is the double stamped "3" an inspector mark?

[John Beard]

Thank you again, Mr. Beard.

Is the double stamped "3" an inspector mark?

Not sure. If I had to guess, I would say that it's a steel lot code.

J.B.

[BEAR]

Thank you, again.

Mr. Beard one more question, if I may. Not to sting out the string anymore.

The bolt body above shows it in a gray park but I think that is because of the green background. The park color is actually an olive green, very clear to the naked eye. Is this a a natural color for a repark?

BEAR

[John Beard]

Thank you, again.

Mr. Beard one more question, if I may. Not to sting out the string anymore.

The bolt body above shows it in a gray park but I think that is because of the green background. The park color is actually an olive green, very clear to the naked eye. Is this a a natural color for a repark?

BEAR

Yes. Olive green is a natural color for a repark.

J.B.

[BEAR]

Thanks Mr. Beard.
That was my last question. (that is until my next question).