Single Heat Treated M1903 Bolts

[Merc]

Things you learn along the way. Many of you are probably already aware. I read this in the CMP booklet that came with the Greek returned M1903 rifle.

I knew about the dangers of firing an early numbered ‘03 due to a brittle receiver but was unaware that the same condition applies to early ‘03 bolts. They also were subjected to the single heat treating (SHT) process or the steel was “burnt” and they can also be brittle. The attached photo shows how to identify them.

7545824A-E6F9-4C87-AB3E-7316ECECAE82.jpg

[bruce]

Knew about it. Haven't seen one in a long long time. Picture shows the characteristics very well. Sincerely. bruce.

[Merc]

The bolts on my 1925 Springfield ‘03 and my 1943 Remington 03A3 are both 03A3 bolts from the 1940s. Both measure up well so they are safe to shoot.

The bolt on the Sprg ‘03 is a Rem with a large gas escape hole and an R stamped on the handle.

The bolt on the Rem 03A3 is a Sprg replacement with a large gas escape hole. It’s stamped BF 19 on the flat part of the handle (Bonny Forge, heat treat lot 1941).

[togor]

Every once in awhile someone has a lot for sale of straight-handled bolt bodies. Practically impossible to give away.

[Sunray]

"Single Heat Treated" is about the receivers, not the bolts. There's no mention of soft or brittle bolts in General Hatcher's Notebook. There's an entire chapter about the receiver issue though.

[John Beard]

Things you learn along the way. Many of you are probably already aware. I read this in the CMP booklet that came with the Greek returned M1903 rifle.

I knew about the dangers of firing an early numbered ‘03 due to a brittle receiver but was unaware that the same condition applies to early ‘03 bolts. They also were subjected to the single heat treating (SHT) process or the steel was “burnt” and they can also be brittle. The attached photo shows how to identify them.

Official Army Ordnance documentation unequivocally states that, unlike low number receivers, straight handle bolts were NEVER removed from service unless worn or damaged. And the CMP was recently provided with copies of that documentation.

J.B.

[JOHN COOK]

Official Army Ordnance documentation unequivocally states that, unlike low number receivers, straight handle bolts were NEVER removed from service unless worn or damaged. And the CMP was recently provided with copies of that documentation.

J.B.

Roll Tide. Reckon we will meet in a Bowel this year??? Tigers, that is........

John in SC

[Merc]

Official Army Ordnance documentation unequivocally states that, unlike low number receivers, straight handle bolts were NEVER removed from service unless worn or damaged. And the CMP was recently provided with copies of that documentation.

J.B.

The booklet that contained the information and photos was from 2002.

[Allen]

Roll Tide. Reckon we will meet in a Bowel this year??? Tigers, that is........

John in SC

Maybe I'll see you two on TV.

Roll Tide !!!

[RCS]

There is still a demand for early bolts to be use in early rifles where the original bolt was replaced
and in restorations of early rifles, Vi Shooters data provides all the information for proper identification

[Merc]

There is still a demand for early bolts to be use in early rifles where the original bolt was replaced
and in restorations of early rifles, Vi Shooters data provides all the information for proper identification

That’s good to hear since I’ll be trying to sell a nice one. I’ll never need it b/c I’ll never own an early ‘03.

Unfortunately, the CMP hasn’t changed the wording in the article on their web site to reflect the Ordnance Dept. documentation.

Metallurgy came a long way quickly in those days. The makers of the M1917 learned from Springfield’s mistakes and built the beast that the doughboys carried in WW1.

http://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/rifle_sales/m1903-m1903a3/

[gator43]

I have what I believe to be an unmolested RIA rifle, SN 282970, which I believe to be one of the guns Mr Beard and Ferris identified as having been in storage and unassembled in January 1918 when manufacturing ceased for installation of improved heat treating equipment, and then treated with the new furnaces, and assembled for service issue. OHA inspected. The straight-handle bolt is stamped R10, which I believe is double heat treated and/ or nickel steel. Is that correct?

[John Beard]

I have what I believe to be an unmolested RIA rifle, SN 282970, which I believe to be one of the guns Mr Beard and Ferris identified as having been in storage and unassembled in January 1918 when manufacturing ceased for installation of improved heat treating equipment, and then treated with the new furnaces, and assembled for service issue. OHA inspected. The straight-handle bolt is stamped R10, which I believe is double heat treated and/ or nickel steel. Is that correct?

That is correct.

J.B.

[Johnny P]

"Single Heat Treated" is about the receivers, not the bolts. There's no mention of soft or brittle bolts in General Hatcher's Notebook. There's an entire chapter about the receiver issue though.

General Hatcher does mention early bolts with cracked lugs and also of losing their locking lugs, but in every case the safety lug prevented the bolt from coming out.

[gator43]

That is correct.

J.B.

Thanks