Followers

[fem]

Are 1903 and 1903-A3 followers interchangeable?

[Jeff L]

In theory yes. Depends on how correct you want your 03 to be. My 2 centavos.

[fem]

Of course you are right Jeff.....But I just bought a 1903-A3 "Sporter" at a hock shop for $150....Barrel cut, stock cut (a-la Monte Carlo) no follower, with a humongus modern scope on it...I'm gonna get a cheap GI stock(refinish it) and a 2.5 weaver Scope and make a 1903-A-forgery out of it... I have a 1903 follower so If it will work it will be fine.Can't be worried at this stage about originality.

[emmagee1917]

Most of the time they'll work fine. If , however , you have trouble feeding or the last one or two wanting to pop out , that would be the first thing I would change out.
Chris

[Bill H]

I have a 1.4 mil range 03 action, on which I installed a barrel.
Shot fine at the range, until I tried to load the magazine. About every other round popped out rather than feeding. Swapped the SA follower for an RA 03A3 stamped one, feeding improved but not perfect.

I think the problem is with the action. Is marked "for SA use only", neatly stamped on the bottom behind the recoil lug.

[Col. Colt]

Bill H, did you measure the mag well opening in the reciever and compare to regular stock 1903 prints? Right spring in the right direction? CC