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1903 Springfield Mark I bolt?

sblair2009sblair2009 Member Posts: 3 ✭✭
edited February 2009 in Ask the Experts
I have a 1903 Springfield Mark I (SA, 1,10x,xxx) that I inherited from my grandfather that is still packed in cosmoline for who knows how long ago. The stock has a few dings in it too. Perhaps most unfortunately, I am missing the whole bolt assembly that was apparently lost in a move.

I would like to find and install a replacement bolt (so I can shoot it [:D]), but am not sure about the interchangeability of the bolts from the other 1903 versions (ie. 1903A3) and the Mk.I, or which version bolt should I be looking for? Will they all fit, or will I run into correctness issues? Also, reading through some of the other posts about the 1903 Mk.I, the collectability of the firearm is apparently increased by having the correct parts--How many parts in the bolt assembly are stamped to confirm that I have a "correct" bolt assembly?

Lastly, since I would like to shoot this a few times, [:D] would that be real bad idea for the collector value?
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Comments

  • nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,892 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    All bolts will fit, but changing the bolt in this type rifle requires that you have the headspace checked to be sure that it is safe.

    An all original Mark I is quite rare; most have been rebuilt & have mixed parts. If yours is the typical rebuild, any make of NS (nickle steel) marked bolt will be appropriate.

    Before you do anything more, you need to clean the rifle & identify exactly what you have.

    Neal

    EDIT: We only get 10 responses here, so trying to identify it with questions & answers won't work; the best thing for you to do is post photos for us. But, I can tell that the 2 stamps on the wood indicate it was rebuilt by Augusta Arsenal (AA followed by the inspectors initial). Stripping it will require that you remove all wood; if you don't have hollow ground gunsmith screwdrivers & know how to use them, STOP & pay someone who does do the job.
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  • sblair2009sblair2009 Member Posts: 3 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ok, I just started cleaning it up.. where all should I be looking for proof marks, etc? On the end of the barrel is the flaming bomb with "SA" "12-18" "A". The stock above the trigger (safety-side) has what looks like "AAW" and "AAJ" stamped into the wood. Top of the receiver has stamped "US Springfield Armory Model 1903 Mark I 1058xxx"

    I havent tried stripping it yet.. where else should I be able to find proof marks?
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