[rwoods]

Gentlemen,
Is it common for late WWII rearsenaled Model 1903 Rock Island rifles
to be fitted with 1903/A3 bolts?

Are the 1903/A3 bolts compatible with the earlier Model 1903 receivers?
Should they function well if properlt head spaced?

I am new to 1903 particulars...Thanks!
Ron

 

[martin08]

My Rock Island came with a Smith Corona bolt. I haven't tried headspace/shooting. But it is a common occurrence.

 

[wrench]

As rifles came back through the arsenals for repair or rebuilding, parts were mixed with no regard to future collectors.
Assuming headspace is correct, that bolt should function fine in your rifle.

 

[chuckindenver]

alot of the RIA,s were refitted with A3 or BF marked bolts, the CMP has been swaping them out as well, i guess with the additude of straight handled bolts are SHT..when in fact all RIA bolts SHT, DHT and NS were striaght handled.
im sure theres a box full of RIA bolts at the CMP.

 

[Curt Sjostrand]

I have a 1931 1903 Springfield rearsenaled in 1944 and a Smith Corona 03A3 rearsenaled in Ogden, Utah. Both have Remington bolts but the lug on top of the bolts is different. One of the lugs is tapered on the top or outward edge, theother one isn't. Have not shot either one.