Is this common on an O#a3 Bolt?

[Brother_Love]

It appears to be a flaw in the finishing of the bolt but it operatres very smoothly. Being a newbie, I just wanted to check on it. Thank you, Malcolm (o3a3, not 0#a3)

[chuckindenver]

looks like a crack, likely from manual of arms use, or a case head failure...i would find a replacement

[Brother_Love]

Another photo. Chuck, thank you, do you think it could be a raised area that was not machined properly? I have been around here enough to know you are an expert on these. I posted a new photo so you could see a close-up. If you still say its a crack, I will be bolt shopping this afternoon.

Regards, malcolm

[Allen Humphrey]

Looks pretty sketchy from the pics. I'd buy a bolt. Not woth the risk for $40 fix.

[Brother_Love]

Yep, After my last post I started looking. Any suggestions where to look first? Thanks

[Brother_Love]

What about these?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WWII-Bare-Stripped-Rifle-Bolt-1903-03A3-marked-R-no-aluminum-packaging-/130896769253?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e7a0e30e5

http://shop.ernstarmory.com/product.sc?productId=2&categoryId=40

[Rick the Librarian]

If you are just looking for a "shooter" bolt body, I've got a nice one - a 03A3 but for some reason, no markings. PM/email me.

RtL

[tanker trash]

looks like a recovered drill rifle bolt to me. that is weld metal showing. although I will say I have a genuine 03A3 that has the rear sight dovetail repaired by welding and I am positive it was done during wartime. Too much force in that area, replace it

[mhb]

Don't panic just yet...

What it looks like to me is a burr which was not removed after fairly rough machining - not untypical of WW2 production.
See if you can get a small screwdriver blade, or the edge of a knife under the burr and lift it up - if it is a burr, you can remove it by flaking it off, and smooth the remaining edge on the bolt body with a small stone or fine file.
mhb - Mike

[Devil Dog]

I can't imagine how a STANDARD collar would fit on that bolt and turn freely after you would somehow get the extractor on.

[Brother_Love]

Ok, I have to admit I am an idiot. As you can see in these 2 photos whatever the build-up, perceived flaw or possible machining error is not there now. It did flake off with edge of a knife and the bolt is fine. I, on the other hand am red-faced because I have been an idiot.

Sorry for all the trouble but thanks for your help.

Malcolm

Before cleaning:


After cleaning:

[Rick the Librarian]

There is nothing to feel bad about ... it happens to all of us, and not just when we were new to M1903s. I get accused of "sniffing too much bore cleaner" for some of my statements on a recurring basis!

[rebound]

Not to ask the question when you don't know the answer is stupid... Not the other way around..........

[TomWatts]

Smooth

On the other hand you do have to give it up for MHB; smooth call!

[Weasel]

Don't beat yourself up over this, we live and learn from mistakes. It's not a mistake if you ask what you would think a stupid question, it a mistake if you don't ask what you would think a stupid question. If you don't ask you will never know the answer for sure.