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I need one of the experts on the forum to help me out. I have a 1903 barrel and action, serial # 79,xxx with the barrel dated 1915. I would like to find a correct bolt for it. How would it be marked? It will not be a shooter at all, but I would like to have it look correct, as it's going to hang on the wall in my reloading room. I also need info on a stock for it. Any help will be welcome.
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Since it has a replacement barrel dated 1915, just about any bolt for a M1903 1915 and earlier would do. All would have "straight" handles.
Check this link for further details - scroll down to the bolt usage charts:
"We make men without chests and expect from them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst."
--C.S. Lewis -
If my information is correct, the original stock would have been a straight-type, grasping groove stock with a single crossbolt located below the bolt handle. A 1915 Springfield Armory stock would have had an acceptance cartouche on the left side of the wrist with "J.S.A." (or maybe "J.F.C."?) outlined in a box with rounded corners. I've been looking for a "single bolt" stock for my 1910-manufactured RIA project for several years now and have seen exactly zero. I'm quite certain that, when one eventually does show up, I won't be able to afford it. (I'm also looking for a Fall 1910-dates RIA barrel if anyone here has a spare kicking around!
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ETA: OOPS! Sorry. For some reason, the "1915" date lodged in my addled brain. I just looked again at the serial number and realized you're talking about a pre-1905 rifle. Your chances of finding a correct stock just dropped considerably, but if you want to learn a lot more about the 1903 rifles of that period, I can't recommend the following book highly enough: "Springfield Model 1903 Service Rifle Production and Alteration 1905-1910" by C. S. Ferris and John Beard. My copy listed for $12.50."They've took the fun out of running the race. You never see a campfire anywhere. There's never any time for visiting." - Joe Redington Sr., 1997Comment
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I would also highly recommend the book by Ferris and (our own) John Beard. Unfortunately, copies are getting very scarce and dear in price. I refer to mine all the time."We make men without chests and expect from them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst."
--C.S. LewisComment
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Thanks for both the replies. I just got into 1903's a little more, and will be looking for both those books. The old action has been poorly refinished, and drilled for a lyman 48, so it doesn't have to be perfect. I have a couple of straight bolts, so I guess I will just use one of those. From what you tell me, the stock will be tougher, and like you, I probably won't be able to afford it. Oh well, it will just have to look a little less neat than I had hoped. Thanks again. TomComment
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Tom - just sent you a PM"They've took the fun out of running the race. You never see a campfire anywhere. There's never any time for visiting." - Joe Redington Sr., 1997Comment
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I have an "S" bolt, will need re-finished though.Comment
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i likely have the correct bolt...maybe a couple. lol
think i have a C8 and a C7Last edited by chuckindenver; 03-26-2013, 10:36.if it aint broke...fix it till it finally is.Comment
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i need to clear out some of my early bolts...ill dig through and offer them here first.if it aint broke...fix it till it finally is.Comment
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Lemme know if you've got a straight handled J5, or a C8? Not sure which one would be right for SA 843200.Comment
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