03-A3 receiver

[corpsman]

New guy here, however an old fart. Garand nut. recently obtained an 03-A3 as part of a trade. Components look good, however it has a POS Santa Fe receiver. Shoots fine, lacks a stripper guide and does not pick up rounds from the mag efficiently. So, as I am new to 03's am seeking advice on the best place to obtain a good receiver. Any issues related to a swap I should be aware of?

Thanks.

[Johnny P]

You will find that the receiver is the hardest part to find. Everything else is available as there was plenty of replacement parts. Might be easier and cheaper to sell that one and buy a correct 03-A3.

[Allen Humphrey]

You asked about possible issues with swapping components. Presuming the barrel is headspaced to that bolt and receiver, you run the risk of the barrel not headspacing to a USGI receiver. It might work....but the issue might appear. If it is close, you might find a different bolt that will work (trial and error). If it is short in the chamber, then no problem with a finish reamer.

[chuckindenver]

an issue with some of the Nat Ord and Santa Fe rifles,
the barrels had issues over indexing, so they turned the shoulders back one turn to make them fit.
measure the chamber step, just before it makes the conture, it should match exactly other 1903A3 barrels that havent been modified/