Detailed Stripping of the No4 MkI and MkI* Rifles

MkI Bolt Removal To remove the MkI type bolt, the rear sight is lifted first and then the bolt catch is depressed, see figure 1. Pull the bolt all the way back and release the bolt catch. Rotate the bolt head up in line with the rib on the bolt and pull it free of the receiver.

Figure 1

Figure 2

MkI* Bolt Removal The bolt release in the No4 MkI* is far simpler and eliminates 3 steps. Simply open the bolt and ease it back until the bolt head rides out of its guide groove into the milled away portion 1/2 inch back from the end of the receiver ring, See figure 2. Rotate the bolt head upward and pull the bolt free of the rifle. Flip up the rear sight if necessary.

Magazine Follower and Spring Removal To remove the magazine follower and spring, push the rear of the follower down far enough for the front end to clear the forward feed lips. Then ease out the follower and spring.

Locking Bolt/Safety Adjustment The locking bolt/safety has a multiple thread to move the safety catch in and out of engagement. To operate properly, the pieces must line up when tightened together as shown in figure 3. To align the pieces, be sure flat on safety catch is roughly parallel to the flat on the locking bolt pin before engaging threads.

Figure 3

Striker/Firing Pin Removal To remove striker, first unscrew and remove the bolt head and striker screw (located at the rear of cocking piece). That being done, unscrew striker with a simple tool made for the purpose as shown in figure 4 (do not attempt to remove striker with pliers). This tool engages in the notches on the striker shoulder. Striker can only be remove from front of bolt body.

Figure 4

Buttstock Removal To remove the buttstock, clamp rifle in a padded vise, open butt trap in butt plate, remove felt/leather wad (a coat hanger fashioned with a barb on its end will work nicely) and unscrew stock bolt with a long screwdriver. Note: BEFORE removing the buttstock on SMLE/No1 rifles ensure the fore-end is removed first.