Problem with safety / trigger on m1903

[Wingshooter]

I need some help from those of you familiar with the M1903.

I inherited my grandfather's Rock Island Arsenal 1903 several years ago. It was sporterized long before I got it , but it is now a great deer rifle. The s/n is 294xxx, so from what I understand it is safe to shoot. It also has a Mark II after-market safety lever in order to clear the scope. The receiver is a RIA, but the bolt pieces have the markings of early Remington ("R").

I shoot it often at the range, and a problem has surfaced. If the trigger is pulled with the safety engaged, the gun does not fire (yet). However, I can feel it coming off the sear, and as soon as I disengage the safety.... the gun will fire. Fortunately, I discovered this before it actually happened with live ammo! I took it apart and inspected the pieces.

The Mark II safety lever looked worn, so I oprdered a new one from Brownells. That tightened it up a bit, but the problem still exists.

I re-inspected and found that the groove on the cocking rod that accepts the safety also looked worn, so I am going to replace that also. My question and concern is if there is a bigger problem with the trigger and sear... has anyone encountered this before with the 1903, and how did you fix it?

Here are the pieces.....

Edited August 1, 2012 by Batman

[peejman]

The 1903's bolt is very similar to the 98 Mauser design. While doing some reading about a related problem, I found this which touches on the problem you're having. I don't think there's a problem with the trigger/sear engagement, it's just the safety/cocking piece in the bolt are worn. Bear in mind, I'm no expert. Scroll about 3/4 down the page... http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=119&t=26426

[Wingshooter]

Thanks! That's a good thread. I think you are right. The cocking piece is pretty worn, and I will order a replacement. Hopefully that will fix it

[DMark]

Batman,

I think you are correct about getting a new firing pin.

You can see the wear on the firing pin notch where the safety engages. Looks like the old safety wasn't fitted too well.

When you get the new firing pin in, check the width of the safety lug and make sure that it isn't too wide for the notch.

BTW - - - We'll need pictures of the Rock Island...., it the rule!