loose bolt

[vicvic]

when my 1903a3 is cocked the bolt handle is loose and it gets even looser when the safety is on. with the safety on it flops up and down. i hope this isnt normal. help

 

[James K]

I am not clear on what you mean. If you mean that the bolt handle is loose on the bolt body, you have a serious problem as they are made in one piece.

If you mean that the bolt handle moves easily up and down and the bolt turns with it, that is normal. With the bolt cocked and the safety on, the bolt handle can move in an arc of 5 degrees or so with no resistance.

Jim

 

[vicvic]

the whole bolt moves. it swings almost all the way up. im afraid of loosing the round when the gun ishanging from my shoulder

 

[James K]

If the bolt can come almost completely unlocked with the safety on, there is something wrong. The stem of the safety should stop the bolt from turning except, as I said, for some fairly small movement. I suggest you take it to a competent gunsmith for a checkout.

Jim