1917 part question

[Allen Humphrey]

I've posted on the 1903 forum for a while now, but I just purchased my first 1917, so I'll have some questions for a while. I'll post pictures soon when I can get enough time and good light. For now I have a specific question about the cross bolt in the bayonet lug. Mine is missing but I happen to have an oddball fastener in my 1903 stash that seems to fit and thread perfectly into the hole, but only when it is off the stock. The fastener will not go thru the hole in the stock. The hole is straight and true, but the shank of the fastener is too big it seems. It is a Winchester rifle, Winchester bayo band, and a winchester stock. Could somebody check a couple of dims for me so I can identify the bolt I have? I suspect I don't have the right one despite the length and thread match.

1. max overall length.
2. head dia
3. shank diam

Thanks in advance and I'll get some photos soon. Its nothing special, so don't turn blue holding your breath

[TerryR]

1.225 OAL
.280 Head dia
.184 Shank
Measured my Winchester cross bolt.
TerryR

[TerryR]

Here's one on Ebay $5.50 ends in 11 hrs.
TerryR
http://www.ebay.com/itm/U-S-M1917-En...item20c0e1e1ce

[Allen Humphrey]

TerryR,
Thank you for the reply. My mystry fastener is in fact the 1917 cross bolt. It matches your dimensions and looks like the one in the auction. This brings forth the next question:
Why is the stock hole too small? Were there other variations of the 1917 that had a smaller cross bolt? Were spare stocks drilled undersized for final fitting later?

Obviously I can make the bolt fit in about 30 seconds, but it is really hard to un-drill a hole.

[TerryR]

Try tapping the upper handguard band on with a piece of wood further back, to align the holes. Just a thought. I believe they are all made with the same dimensions, as most military rifles all enterchange. Other wise open the hole in the wood next size up. HTH's
TerryR
PS wait for some other answers.