7 Attachment(s)
Dismantling a locked Arisaka bolt
I think this is one of those cases where a picture is worth a thousand words.
So here are the pics:
This is how your bolt should appear.
Attachment 16885
Note that the cocking piece ledge (the lug shining brightly at the bottom) is 180 degress opposite the bolt handle. To clarify that, here is a closeup:
Attachment 16882
Note that the cocking piece is held safely back by sitting in a small notch. This means that the firing spring is compressed. If you look at the rifle, it will be clear that it is ONLY possible to insert the bolt if the ledge is in this position.
However, jmoore and I are guessing that your bolt looks like this:
Attachment 16884
In this position, the cocking piece has moved right forwards into the large notch. This is the position it takes up AFTER firing. So the firing spring has been relaxed, which is why cock-on-opening bolts are stored like this. BUT in this position you cannot move the safety. I.e. the safety only works on a cocked bolt.
You now need to use a piece of hardwood, brass or similar (I used an insulated screwdriver) but NOT blank steel (to avoid damaging the clean edge of the cocking piece ledge!) to push the cocking piece back
Attachment 16883
and turn it 1/4 turn clockwise, so that it is sitting in the small notch again, and the complete assembly appears as in the first two pics.
So it now looks this
Attachment 16882
You will then find that
1) you can insert the bolt into the rifle, as intended.
2) by pushing in the safety knob and turning it 1/4 turn clockwise, the whole assembly comes apart, without requiring great strength, jigs etc. - a brilliant construction
Attachment 16881
And to reassemble, put it all together, push on the safety cap (it will ONLY go on in one position) and turn it 1/4 turn anti-clockwise.
I am wary of using the term foolproof, but the Arisaka bolt is a pretty good approximation to that state. If this doesn't work, something horrible has been done to your rifle, and you will need to post some photos.
Eagerly awaiting news of your success!
Patrick