Rex,
As I recently explained in another post, many bolt-actions early in the 20th century had the front action screw going directly into the recoil lug. This could result in the front of the action bending down slightly when the front screw was really tightened--which didn't help accuracy, since the bolt lugs are oriented vertically when the bolt's closed.
This is why it was standard procedure for many years after WWII to epoxy-bed a little of the rear of the barrel. This was NOT to support the barrel, but to support the action, and keep it from bending.
The 1903 Springfield is one of the many actions from that era with the front screw going directly into the recoil lug.
