Springfield 03-A3 bolt bending

[benschott]

Who does forge bending of 1903-A3 bolts?
Thanks in advance and Best of Seasonal greetings to all.

 

[shortgrass]

Probably the site to ask that question on is; www.accurateloading.com Bolt forging and welding a different handle on are "old school" gunsmithing. Here, seems the main topic seems to be threading and chambering. I still have my bolt handle forging block, it's been some time since I used them as I usually TIG a different, more 'sporter type, handle on instead of forging. NOT LOOKING FOR WORK! Got more than I want now!

 

[benschott]

Yes, I'm looking to do the "old-school" bend. Lots of welders around.

 

[butchlambert]

Yes, I'm looking to do the "old-school" bend. Lots of welders around.

Yes, but I wouldn't use 99% of them for a bolt handle!

 

[benschott]

Yes, but I wouldn't use 99% of them for a bolt handle!

good to know, will take your advise. thanks

 

[tmwinds]

Yes, but I wouldn't use 99% of them for a bolt handle!

You wouldn’t let the muffler shop weld your bolt handle?

 

[butchlambert]

You wouldn’t let the muffler shop weld your bolt handle?

Maybe!

 

[243winxb]

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/525470b

$35 in stock? But may change head clearance.

 

[Will Henry]

The problem with forging the bolt handle to a lower profile is that the handle always ends up too short, as well as being kind of ugly. Much better is to cut the handle off and weld on one of better shape. I made a bunch of handles which duplicated the Oberndorf Mauser handle and like them. The last Springfield I did (a couple months ago) was done with the handle off a Turkish Mauser, on which I had installed a butterknife style (not my choice!). The bottom line is, I don't like forging the handle. WH