OK guys, someone educate me because I cannot figure this out. So, here we go:

I have a 7x57 Mauser that is chambered off of an 03A3 Springfield action. What happened was when I removed the bolt from the receiver, it got stuck (just slightly). With more force, I was able to successfully pull it out. Now, when trying to place it back in the receiver, it will not feed.

Essentially, it goes roughly three quarters of the way in, then it stops. There is roughly about half an inch of clearance in front of the bolt face before it closes shut completely, and rotates downward to the closed position. The extractor is in line down the right side of the bolt as it should be (int the proper position). Trust me when I tell you that the bolt is inserted the correct way before you try to feed it.

Any chance any of you guys could possibly guess what is wrong? Someone told me that it needs to be cocked again before trying to feed it? Do any of you happen to have any advice? I would be glad to post a video if needed so you all can see what I am talking about if that helps? I am only a young guy of 37 years of age, (seriously) so I am still trying to figure all of this out. The only way you learn is by asking questions. Next step, is to take it to my gunsmith...

Is it hanging up on the trigger, have you tried to insert it with the trigger pulled? Just a thought.

Yes, post a video. What you are describing I would have said impossible. Got stuck when you pulled out the bolt?
Needs to be cocked? Of course it has to be cocked to get the bolt in, or out. By definition, it is cocked. (Cock on opening)
And it can't hang up on the trigger. I feel bad that someone butchered up an 03A3; they are worth a lot off money now.
I've owned at least 25 of them. If I could see it, I would know immediately. Bring it over.

Problem fixed....

What did the problem turn out to be?

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
I feel bad that someone butchered up an 03A3; they are worth a lot off money now.
I've owned at least 25 of them.

How much are they going for now?

I got a really nice 1903 a few weeks ago...and saw an 03a3 over the weekend for around 800 original with cartouches

Mint original a lot more than 800.

quote:

Originally posted by Gundog 64:
What did the problem turn out to be?

The striker in the bolt was not cocked. Here was the issue:

The bolt sleeve (the cap on the rear end of the bolt) is misaligned when the striker isn't cocked and the bolt stops about 3/4 inch shy of the receiver ring. I had to take the bolt out, pull back hard on the cocking piece (the knob on the back of the bolt sleeve)and twist it and the bolt sleeve in a clockwise direction until the sleeve rotated and locked into the proper position. Afterwards, the bolt slid in without a problem.