another No.1 Mk.3 question....

[rondog]

Sorry guys, I just bought one of these rifles and working on a trade for a second one. I know diddly about them and have some more questions.

My 1917 that I got for $100....I can't for the life of me figure out how to remove the bolt! Is there a secret to it?

The one I'm fixing to trade for is an "R.F.I", made in 1952. Did they make them that late, and is this a good model? I'm trading 3 bandoliers of HXP M2 ball w/clips and a non-USGI M1 Garand bayonet for it. The other party knows the bayo is a bootleg, but he wants it anyway.

Only photo I have of the 1952 rifle so far. I'm not a "collector" like most of you, I just like to gather 'em and shoot 'em.



More questions to follow, I'm sure.

Information

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[Beerhunter]

My 1917 that I got for $100....I can't for the life of me figure out how to remove the bolt! Is there a secret to it?

Pull the bolt all the way to the rear. Now lift the bolt head upward against the friction of the spring-loaded latch. Continue to rotate it until vertical, in line with the bolt body. Pull to the rear.

[S-A-M3]

RFI is an Indian made rifle, made to the same pattern as all the others,so if barrel isn`t too worn, just as good. Everyone has an opinion of course!!
Not sure, but think the 303 SMLE was made in India until about 1968?, At the same time they were making the 2A which is 308, worth having as well!

[paulseamus]

Beerhunter put it right

Pull the bolt all the way to the rear. Now lift the bolt head upward against the friction of the spring-loaded latch. Continue to rotate it until vertical, in line with the bolt body. Pull to the rear.

I would add..... that when you have the bolt all the way to the rear, you pull the bolt head up by lifting from the right hand side. That is to say rotate the bolthead anticlockwise.

Hope this helps

Paul

[Sht_LE]

Yes they made them that late. The British stopped production of the No.1 in WWII. Birmingham Small Arms was the last British MFG and if memory serves the last British made No.1 was turned out in 1944. It stayed in production in Australia until 1945, thou Lithgow did a machinery trials batch of 1,000 that were made between 1953-1956 (all of which are dated 1953). The No.1 stayed in production the longest in India were it remained in continuous production until around 1974. Thou apparently small batches were made into the 1980's. I have personally examined a 1983 dated Ishapore made No.1 that was obviously a new production rifle and not a rebuild of an older receiver. Supposedly the latest confirmed date on an RFI No.1 is 1988. I have seen pictures of one, but never actually handled one. The newest one I personally own is a 1972 dated Ishy No.1 Mk.3*.

Hope the info helps,
Jake

[rondog]

Oh yes, ALL info helps!!! Thank you all!