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So I got my hands on a 95% condition No5 Mk1 Jungle Carbine and other than a few cosmetic blemishes the butt is loose in its socket on the receiver. Anyone have any idea the size screw driver (head size) that I need to get that big screw tightened down? Oh yeah and if you have a ny idea as to the length I need to reach the screw I'd appreciate it.
Thanks for the help.
Before you do screw it in tighter, just make sure that you push a piece of shim material between the butt socket and the tie plate at the rear of the existing fore-end. This is because out in the tropics, where they are at their best, the No5 woodwork is full of moisture. When it dries, it shrinks and this is what could be causing the butt to feel loose. Tightening it up could cause the nose of the bolt to screw itself into the rear end of the fore-end.
On the other hand, it might be that the stock bolt washer (a double-coil spring washer called a 'thackray' washer) might be missing or worse still the flat steel washer that the spring washer seats onto that is set down deep in the bowels of the butt. Make sure that both are present.
And while the butt is off, take the opportunity to dunk it in some warm linseed for a while then leave it to drain off. It'll thank you. Next, assemble it with a good dollop of grease on the shaft and thread of the bolt. That should last for another 60years
Thanks for the help Peter, I pulled the forend off lst night to put a few drops of oil on the face of the bolt, and let it soak over night. When I looked at thr front of the receiver where its threaded through for the bolt, I can see three, maybe four threads so I think its not overly tight. There isnt any forward to back ward movement just side to side at the wrist of the stock.
I wont know whats under the stock hardwar wise until this weekend, my gunsmith is going to assist me with the dis-aasembly, I know that the cardboard washer isnt there, but as for the spring washer and the flat washer I won know until Saturday or Sunday.
Again thank you for the help.
Got her apart and her previous owner had boogered the stock bolt and then left the bolt loose when they put it back together. Then they shot it and compressed the wood around the receiver cup so once it got completely tightened it was still loose.
We got the bolt out and the bolt face was a little rough, so we filed it some to clean it up then we fitted it with two stainless steel washers to give the bolt more purchase. Lucky for me all the original hardware was still in there and the added washers did the trick and the stock snugged right down.