Bolt Question

[riflenut]

I recently purchased a HN 1903 RIA that came without a bolt

I purchased a replacement bolt that should be the correct period - a straight handle bolt marked "R1" on the underside of the handle - it may be "R10", the "0" is on the edge

My question is this - are these bolts safe to use? I have heard that straight handle bolts are unsafe, however I thought that bolts of this type were NS & therefore safe

Which is the correct story?

Thanks for your help!

[03Rifleman]

If the bolt body is in fact the R l 0 type than yes, it is NS and considered "safe to shoot"

[Rick the Librarian]

The bolt handles for M1903s were modified shortly after the forging process was changed, so there are a few groups that were double heat-treated and had straight handles. R10 is one of them. J5 is another.

[JimF]

The bolt handles for M1903s were modified shortly after the forging process was changed, so there are a few groups that were double heat-treated and had straight handles. R10 is one of them. J5 is another.

I believe a "C8"-marked bolt is also a "straight-handled, double heat-treated" bolt.

Do I have that right, J.B.? --Jim

[Fred]

True. But weren't all C8 bolts straight handled or did some have swept back handles?

[JimF]

True. But weren't all C8 bolts straight handled or did some have swept back handles?

Not sure, Fred . . . . .

I do know that the J5 bolts were made in both configurations (I have some of each). --Jim

[John Beard]

True. But weren't all C8 bolts straight handled or did some have swept back handles?

All C 8 bolts observed to date had straight handles.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[John Beard]

The bolt handles for M1903s were modified shortly after the forging process was changed, so there are a few groups that were double heat-treated and had straight handles. R10 is one of them. J5 is another.

Based on serial number observations and multiple file tests I made, R 10 bolts are nickel steel (not double heat treated). And they do indeed have straight handles.

J.B.

[riflenut]

Thanks for the quick responses & expertise

If I can - one more question

Please verify that the pictured bolt is marked "R10"



Thank you again!

[John Beard]

Thanks for the quick responses & expertise

If I can - one more question

Please verify that the pictured bolt is marked "R10"

Thank you again!

Yes. The pictured bolt is indeed an RIA R 10 bolt.

J.B.

[riflenut]

Thank you John!

[Emri]

Based on serial number observations and multiple file tests I made, R 10 bolts are nickel steel (not double heat treated). And they do indeed have straight handles.

J.B.

Just to clarify something that might get confused reading Rick's post: all Rock Island made bolts have the straight handle.

If this is not correct, please advise. You know how my memory is !!

Thanks,

Emri

[Rick the Librarian]

As I recall, there were a tiny handful of RIA NS bolts with "bent" bolt handles. As Emri, open to correction.

[John Beard]

Emri stands corrected. Rick the Librarian does not.

J.B.

p.s.,

A good friend says that he has a good memory. It's just short!

[Emri]

Emri stands corrected. Rick the Librarian does not.

J.B.

p.s.,

A good friend says that he has a good memory. It's just short!

OK !!! I just read Ricks recent post and "remembered" ; there WERE some swept handle RI bolts. BUT...since you reminded me that I DO have a good memory; they, like some other things, are not easily come by or seen. Like chicken lips they might be found, but not before finding some buffalos with wings or chickens with fingers !!!

Later,

Emri