Smle Problems

[The Monk]

Sorry i do recall you asked for a relavent photo

[Mk VII]

use the 'Implement, Action' to unscrew the slide assembly, check for dirt, broken, missing or weak spring, and tighten up again.
Unless you feel like spending more than a new sight will cost, make a tool to turn it with - turned down Allen screws threaded into a small bar should work and have the right hardness/toughness.

[jmoore]

The safety spring retaining screw could either be staked or it's just frozen. Try a little penetrating oil and/or some light tapping with a non-marring drift. Could well be just hardened oil deposits.

As for the rear sight, the only thing that comes to mind is that the coil spring is weak. Even this gunked up thing locks in place well. :


ETA: Missed Monk's new photos in Post #11. Hmmmm...

[Robert303]

Hello,
I was very lucky to get one of these marked EFD SHt M.L.E. with a Crown over /3 over E and
Crown over 73 E then an R on its side.

It was only when I read this post that I discovered what the two pins on one leg were for (Removing the stud on the rearsight)

So what is the single pin and little slot for? and what's the U shape on the other end of that arm for?

What is the rectangle with the 3 cut outs for?

Sorry if this is really basic stuff but this forum is so helpful I'm not worried about 'smart ar-e' answers that disfigure so many other forums.

[Dad]

Robert303,
Check out the last page of the PDF file of this forum link.
Milsurps - Instructions for Armourers -1931 (Part 2 - Small Arms)

D.

[Thunderbox]

Sorry i do recall you asked for a relavent photo

Looks to me like you have one of the rifles recently re-imported from South Africa. Many of these have all the metalwork parkerised, and quite often it seems that they parkerised the entire receiver while it was still assembled - ie sear, magazine catch, safety, etc. Your safety screw is probably just stiff or "glued" in place by something. Try penetrating oil, or even a bit of heat from a small micro-blowtorch. Make sure you use a screwdriver that fits all the way into the slot. As its far narrower than any commonly-available screwdriver, its a good idea to start making your own tools: take a cheapo chinese screwdriver and file the blade down so that it fits the Enfield slots...

[The Monk]

Looks to me like you have one of the rifles recently re-imported from South Africa

I think your right as it does have SA markings. I'll fashion a screwdriver as you suggest and give it a go.

Do you have any more information on these Rifles? As it has a new barrel/ all new un-issued parts with matching numbers.

Would welcome any you have.

Here are some pics.

[The Monk]

Thanks to all that have replied.

Muffet.2008.
I have just got (Sat) Skennerton 'The Lee-Enfield'