M1903 Problem

[Cato]

I took out my M1903 for the first time in a long time. I just had a new barrel installed, so on to another issue. My problem is when I load it, the bolt won't pick up the next round. The cartridges sit too far back for the bolt to grab them. Now if I turn the magazine shut off to where the bolt goes just a little our of the reciever, the round gets picked up. Years ago when I got the rifle, I replaced the magazine spring with one from a Yugo Mauser bolt action. Otherwise it's stock. Any ideas what could be the problem?

[smle-man]

Be sure the magazine cut off is not in the off position. There are three positions, off, on, and the center position to remove the bolt. If 'off' shows on the tab then the bolt won't come all the way to the rear and allow rounds to be fed from the magazine.

[Cato]

That's the problem. I've spent so much time with my black rifle that I've forgotten the basics of my 1903.

Thanks!

[littlejake]

Be sure the magazine cut off is not in the off position. There are three positions, off, on, and the center position to remove the bolt. If 'off' shows on the tab then the bolt won't come all the way to the rear and allow rounds to be fed from the magazine.

100% correct. (smle-man knows his stuff) S.O.P. for WWI soldiers was to load the mag; but set the cutoff to allow single loading; reserving the 5 in the mag for when the S.H.T.F.

[Ledbetter]

**Drive By**

WHAT? 5 rounds!? That will just lead to ammo waste.

[chiefcrash]

And is it just me, or does it seem a little harder to chamber rounds with the magazine cut off? It seems like I really have to smack the bolt home to chamber a round when I'm doing it single-shot mode...

[smle-man]

That's because you are forcing the extractor over the rim when single loading v. having the rim slide under the extractor when feeding from the magazine.

[Pthfndr]

That's because you are forcing the extractor over the rim when single loading v. having the rim slide under the extractor when feeding from the magazine.

Yep.. Remember, it's a controlled feed action. Not a push feed.

[kendog4570]

Actually, the Springfield is both controlled-round, and push feed. The extractor is beveled to accommodate cartridges single loaded into the chamber. Shouldn't have to smack it very hard for the extractor to snap over the rim.