Safe to remove forestock?

[nutting]

I am lucky enough to own a 1914 SMLE in superb condition, with a heavy barrel fitted by Fultons. The buttstock is slightly loose but I note that you are advised to remove the forestock before tightening the stock bolt. What is the danger of disturbing the ‘Regulated by Fultons’ bedding by removing the forestock? Any advice would be appreciated.

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[30Three]

The danger of disturbing the bedding is far less than the danger of splitting the fore end by tightening the bolt without removing it!
I have removed and refitted the fore end on my fulton's regulated No4 without any major changes to accuracy. I dare say that it's been off more than once since being bedded.

[NORTHOF60]

As I understand it, the danger lies in splitting the fore-stock through protrusion of the butt-stock bolt. Make sure that the butt-stock bolt has both a washer and locking spring.

[Alan de Enfield]

The 'butt-bolt' warning is a carry-over from the No1 Mk3 /SMLE bolt which had the 'square end', the No4 butt-bolt design / manufacture was modified by excluding the square end. Subsequently as No1's went in for repair or service, the square end was removed.

If you have a No4 with a butt-bolt with the square end then someone has fitted a No1 bolt (they are both the same thread form).
The problem is that you will not know exactly which bolt you have until it has been removed - it is therefore good advice (at least for the first time) to remove the forend before removing the butt.

Source : Peter Laidler (Sun 16 Mar 2008 5:14 am)

All UK Military No1 rifle stock bolts still in service after about 1948/49 (should have) had the squared-off portion ground off to No4 rifle length and a double coil THACKRAY washer fitted, as per the No4 rifle.

The stock bolt must be at least ONE COMPLETE SCREW THREAD below the inner face of the butt socket. If not, then DO NOT bodge by fitting another thackray washer, but either fit another flat washer below the bolt head or grind off a suitable amount of the thread. The bolts are very hard, so grinding will be the order of the day.

[browningautorifle]

The 'butt-bolt' warning is a carry-over from the No1 Mk3 /SMLE bolt

Well, he DOES claim to have a #1 Mk3...so front wood off first...

[nutting]

Well, he DOES claim to have a #1 Mk3...so front wood off first...

Not only ‘claims’ but ‘owns’!

[Alan de Enfield]

Well, he DOES claim to have a #1 Mk3...so front wood off first...

No question about that but PL also DOES claim that any No1 Mk3 in service after 1948 (should have) the square removed.
I did also say :

it is therefore good advice (at least for the first time) to remove the forend before removing the butt.

[browningautorifle]

I was curious as to why the butt was loose in the first place...shrinkage, no washer inside... I'd want to remove it and see.