No.4 T, loose butt stock

I have an original No4T in great condition except the butt stock is loose-- it rotates about 6mm to either side of the normal position. Not a big deal but I'm obsessive!

I suspect that the wood or the stock bolt washer / spring washer have become compressed.

I have the appropriate screw driver and wanted to tighten the bolt but the slot is buggered enough that the screw driver can't get any purchase.

Any suggestions on how to fix this? I thought about using a drill bit with a sleeve the same diameter as the channel (to keep it centered in the channel) to drill out the bolt head, remove the butt and then remove the old bolt. Then use a new bolt and a thicker washer. Or should I just live with it?

Suggestions appreciated

You clearly don't have the correct screwdriver I'd suggest. I've undone several in the past with the correct screwdriver and never failed. I'd say that with the correct driver you would halt the rotation of the world. In any case, the butt itself stops it from rotating due to the taper fit in the socket. Loosen that bolt, remove the butt, patch the loose taper and then re-fit and only THEN do you tighten the bolt.

Stupid question! I assume the leather washer (that stops the oil bottle rattling) has been removed prior to trying your screw driver?

A few suggestions:
Can I ask if you have had a good look with a powerful light at the head of the stock bolt? Just to check the leather washer isn't still partly there (if it is, fish it out with a bit of wire) and that the slot really is beyond use.
If you think the outer edges of the slot show some promise, make up a wide screwdriver and grind the tip so it is 1/10 inch thick and parallel-sided and preferably wide enough to just fit into the butt.
To make up mine I bought a cold chisel which just fits into the butt, and ground the tip to suit. I attach a spanner to the hexagonal shaft to get huge torque.
Others have had success grinding a tip on a cruciform wheel brace for a car.
Be sure the screwdriver tip is parallel sided or the laws of physics mean that as you twist it will exit the slot.
I would not bother tightening it but get it out and replace the bolt.
You might also try removing the fore stock and heat the tip of the stock bolt with a soldering iron - heat will help loosen the grip of the butt socket on the bolt.
Rob

I don't know if they're still around, but up until a few years ago some of the militaria dealers in the UK who specialise in accessories used to have the correct armourer's brace available. It might be worth trying a search....

I bought one years ago & a spare when some were available more recently. I'd find it difficult to manage without one now.

I did check with a light-- the leather washer isn't there. Thanks for the suggestions, will give them a shot

The braces are collectibles now Roger and by those that sell them have accordingly priced them as such.

gordong: I seem to recall loosening a couple of recalcitrant buttstock bolts by clamping my big screwdriver in a vice and pushing/ turning from the other end (ie. while holding the butt)- easier to put your full weight on it and more leverage than you get from a screwdriver handle.

Ridolpho

I managed to unscrew a mutilated one, and replaced it with one of Roger Payne's brand-new ones (there seems to be an abundance of unused ones, they didn't wear out). I do have the right bit-and-brace bit, lost it for years and found it again in the shed the other day, in plain view, covered in rust.