excess play in cavalry carbine bayonet, can it be fixed?

I have a nice cavalry carbine but when the cruciform bayonet is folded into the stock of the rifle it is not held tight. Is this typical and can it be fixed? The point of the bayonet drops below the stock just far enough that you would get stuck real good if you were to run your hand up the stock without thinking.

I would say that it is not typical.

I played around a bit with mine and could re-create the situation you described by not fully locking the bayonet in place. It was closed but there remained a small gap at the top. Bayonet dropped about 1/4 inch lower than normal.

Try pushing the bayonet in further (push it toward the muzzle) It should have an audible click when it is locked in place.

Trouble is, there are three different types of folding bayonet I believe and yours may not have the same locking mechanism mine does.

Thanks Aragorn, I'll check that out