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Hello, I'm Peter. I've been reading this forum's info for years but never posted. I've been involved with firearms since I was 5- these days mostly WW1 collecting and historical presentations in schools. I was lucky to buy a Lee Metford MK1* 1889 recently, rough shape but mostly complete. Who should I talk to about it? I need info on how to disassemble the 8 round magazine. Thanks.
The eight round single stack mag comes apart in a similar way to that of a ten round double stacked mag. The platform is dipped down at the back and the front pulled free of the feed lips.
But one problem is that the single stack mag body is narrower and stiffer than that of the double stack. Stuff doesnt want to spring and move.
I use the rounded tip of the handle of a teaspoon inserted at the front of the mag between the mag body and underside of the platform. As I manipulate the platform, I gently pry sideways against the right feed lip and upwards to move that right feed lip out ever so slightly to free the right platform edge.
Once the front of the platform is out, the rest of it can be wiggled and twisted to remove it from the body.
Easy to do with the spoon and practice, which I know doesn't help much if this is the first time doing it!
Thank you, Englishman! Worked exactly the way you described. Might have figured it out myself but one is always worried about breaking 127 year old steel. Here are a few pictures mostly before I did some cleaning. The rifle seems to have survived as a 'DP' but with some major neglect. Update- till I work out posting photos try Pinterest under 'Lee Metford 1889 MK 1*'