portuguese 1904 vergueiro

[bearhunter]

A friend brought over his 1904. He had assembled the bolt wrong and managed to force it into the receiver, behind the locking lugs.

At first it looked like a fairly easy fix. Because of the way the bolt head is made, once it's in upside down, it's almost impossible to remove. He had already broken off one of the guides on the rear that are used for alignment.

I am going to try attaching a piece of drill rod to the inside of the head with acraglas and along with a cleaning rod from the muzzle end try to put enough pressure on it to get it out. If this doesn't work, the next step is to remove the barrel.

Has anyone here had a similar difficulty?

If you have an easier solution, I would appreciate a response.:rofl.

I already have the instructions for stripping and assembly of the bolt. bearhunter

[Badger]

Well, I sympathize ....

I've got one of these and I'm afraid to touch the bolt ....

I'm not sure what to suggest, but tiriaq might be able to help out with some of his gunsmithing skills.

Regards,
Badger

[bearhunter]

Thanks Badger, One of the head guides on the back end of the bolt head is already broken. I've been trying to get in touch with Sarco for one of their replacement parts. I looks like the only fix is to remove the barrel to get it out. It sounds like the receiver lug faces will also have to be lapped as well to remove the burrs from the head being forced in. bearhunter

[bearhunter]

I just said the hell with it and pulled the barrel, typical of late thirties stuff, it was tight as hell. Head fell right out. Now because the head has a broken extractor guide rib, it will need to be replaced. Maybe it can be tig welded, with care of course to keep the rest of the head cool. It looks to have been hardened all over. Not sure if this was just convenient or neccessary.

Would anyone happen to know if there is a place in Canada to get either a complete bolt or a spare head? Sarco can be a real pain to deal with.

bearhunter

[Badger]

I seen that Jean is advertising a complete rifle on his site, but I don't know whether he has parts or not.

Might be worth checking......

http://psmilitaria.50megs.com/guns.html

Regards,
Badger

[Andy]

I have a good example I've been trying to peddle for $375 with not a nibble. Perhaps I should part out the bolt, hinged floorplate and stock-set. Nah - that would be milsurp heresy (next to sporterizing).

[bearhunter]

Got the replacement head from Sarco just before christmas. It's beautifully finished, other than it's slightly darker and not serial numbered, it's perfect and unused, for $26US. I certainly wouldn't attempt to make one for that price. Headspaces perfectly as well. Will order a few more things from Sarco. Very good people to deal with. bearhunter