1903 bolt too loose

vicvic · July 21, 2007, 05:52 PM

when the bolt is cocked with the safety on the bolt has no detent to hold it down. im afraid of it falling open when its shouldered. any ideas what might be causing this?

Dfariswheel · July 21, 2007, 08:25 PM

The bolt sleeve lock and spring are probably worn or dirt/rust impacted.

This is not uncommon on the Springfield.
The 98 Mauser uses a heavy-duty, large steel pin and a strong spring, both of which are completely concealed in the underside of the bolt shroud. These hardly ever cause trouble.

The Springfield lock is a tiny steel part with a even tinier spring, both of which are completely exposed to weather and dirt.
The sleeve lock or occasionally the bolt itself wear and the shroud will not lock properly.

In this view, it's items # 3 and 4. (Click on the picture to expand it):
http://www.e-gunparts.com/productsch...NGFIELD%201903

James K · July 21, 2007, 08:57 PM

Hi, Dfariswheel and vicvic,

I am confused here. The bolt sleeve lock only functions when the bolt is open and the safety is in the vertical (dismount) position.

When the bolt is in the rifle and closed, putting the safety in the on position locks the bolt handle down and the bolt cannot be opened. That is done by the safety spindle locking into a notch in the back of the bolt body. If that is not happening, there is something wrong with the safety or the bolt body, not the bolt sleeve lock.

Jim

Dfariswheel · July 22, 2007, 12:26 AM

Oops, You're right Jim, my mistake. Pays to read a little closer.

If the bolt shroud is turning when the bolt is closed and the safety is locked, something is wrong with the safety or it's interlock area in the bolt.

July 21, 2007, 05:52 PM	#1
vicvic Member Join Date: October 25, 2004 Posts: 83	1903 bolt too loose when the bolt is cocked with the safety on the bolt has no detent to hold it down. im afraid of it falling open when its shouldered. any ideas what might be causing this?

July 21, 2007, 08:25 PM	#2
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,561	The bolt sleeve lock and spring are probably worn or dirt/rust impacted. This is not uncommon on the Springfield. The 98 Mauser uses a heavy-duty, large steel pin and a strong spring, both of which are completely concealed in the underside of the bolt shroud. These hardly ever cause trouble. The Springfield lock is a tiny steel part with a even tinier spring, both of which are completely exposed to weather and dirt. The sleeve lock or occasionally the bolt itself wear and the shroud will not lock properly. In this view, it's items # 3 and 4. (Click on the picture to expand it): http://www.e-gunparts.com/productsch...NGFIELD%201903

July 21, 2007, 08:57 PM	#3
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Hi, Dfariswheel and vicvic, I am confused here. The bolt sleeve lock only functions when the bolt is open and the safety is in the vertical (dismount) position. When the bolt is in the rifle and closed, putting the safety in the on position locks the bolt handle down and the bolt cannot be opened. That is done by the safety spindle locking into a notch in the back of the bolt body. If that is not happening, there is something wrong with the safety or the bolt body, not the bolt sleeve lock. Jim

July 22, 2007, 12:26 AM	#4
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,561	Oops, You're right Jim, my mistake. Pays to read a little closer. If the bolt shroud is turning when the bolt is closed and the safety is locked, something is wrong with the safety or it's interlock area in the bolt.