First Enfield

Hi guys, new member here. Got a few questions regarding my first Enfield acquisition. It is a 1949 No.4 Mk2 with matching bolt, receiver, and magazine. The serial number seems correct for that time period as well. When I cleaned it it still had old cosmoline in many many places. The guy that had it before me said it was shot a bunch, but it has strong rifling. I can not for the life of me get the reinforcing bolt to come out of the stock. It just spins and makes removing the forestock off impossible. Any ideas? Is there a nut or something on the other side of the stock that may have come loose or not put back previously? Any help is appreciated.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../24yoit0-1.jpg

My No.4 Mk.2 has a slotted nut on the far end of that screw, embedded in the wood. Clean out any junk in the hole and you should be able so see if one is there, stripped, spinning, or missing. If missing or stripped, use a small drift to press on the screw end while unscrewing at the head. If you balance the pressure right, it will come out. If the nut is spinning in the hole, make a little spanner to hold it.

Man thats exactly what I needed to see. Thanks a bunch!!

Well I got a chance to have another look tonight, and I am missing that nut. I just pushed the bolt out and removed it. Once I pulled the forestock off, I was surprised to see no rust, and old cosmoline at the areas around the stock line and barrel to receiver fitting. I'm gonna clean her up, and try to scrub the bore better. Probably use a foaming bore cleaner of sorts.

Anyone have a spare nut for this bolt?