SA Bolt

[Screech]

Just got a nice 1903 rifle. SN 12446**. Barrel is SA 3-22. Stock is circle P on wrist and WES on left side. I think the bolt is wrong??? It only has a 3 on top of handle, could this be ok?
Thanks for help!

[rebound]

It's Possible,
A WL3 bolt was used during that time frame.
Is the bolt have a bent handle ?
The W and the L maybe lightly stamped and you didn't look hard enough.

[Rick the Librarian]

The barrel and stock sound original. Remember, if there are no pictures, it never happened!

[Screech]

More info

This bolt has a small T a big 3 and a small L on the top. It is swept back and has a punch mark under handle.

[John Beard]

Just got a nice 1903 rifle. SN 12446**. Barrel is SA 3-22. Stock is circle P on wrist and WES on left side. I think the bolt is wrong??? It only has a 3 on top of handle, could this be ok?
Thanks for help!

The bolt is probably the correct bolt if it has no "R" stamped underneath the handle.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[Screech]

So, What is a T3L bolt? No other marks, crystal clear marked T3L?

[Handsome Devil]

Without pics it is hard to tell Screech, but it sounds like a poorly stamped WL3. Most of those bolts were poorly stamped from what I remember and often do not look like WL3. Might try posting a picture of it. Sounds like a wonderful rifle. Have a couple from the #120xxxx with 1920 barrels. Always wanted one from the 1921-1923 time realm. Found a lot of re-barreled receiver examples but not with barrel dates like yours. Would really like to see this one so I can drool. Haven't bought a 1903 in years, but one such as you describe could pull me back in fast. Congrats. Regards, John.

[John Beard]

So, What is a T3L bolt? No other marks, crystal clear marked T3L?

A "T3L" bolt is a "WL/3" bolt stamped by a careless worker, or a worker who couldn't find his "W" stamp, or perhaps he broke it.

J.B.