Lebel Bolt Head Screw

[Aragorn243]

I need a bolt head screw for a Lebel. I checked Numrich and they are sold out. None on ebay at the moment either. Anyone know of a source for one or can I get a screw at a hardware store that I can make work?

Information

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[Aragorn243]

Took it apart today and I'm missing a few more things. I need one butt plate screw, the round "nut" that attaches to the bolt which goes through the butt stock from side to side and the wood screw on the interior after you remove the trigger guard. I can probably substitute other screws for the butt plate and the interior but the "nut" I can't without it looking weird.

[Aragorn243]

I guess I should explain why I'm after these. As you probably gathered,l I picked up a Lebel yesterday. Got it at an auction for $130. I knew it was missing the bolt screw but everything seems to function. Wood is in rough shape, someone took a wheel sander to it at some point and there is cross grain sanding marks and a few wheel marks on it. The metal is nearly rust free. The bore looks extremely good although there is a bit of rust in the last 1/2 inch. Rifling is fine, very crisp. Lifter works, cut off works. Trigger and bolt work fine. I'm currently in the process of cleaning off the goo and getting the stock more presentable. Specifically it is a 35 carbine. All serial numbers match with the exception of the base plate, the butt plate and the stock fore end. Both barrel bands match. I probably got it so cheap because with the screw missing from the bolt, it was impossible to get the bolt open unless you knew how to work it. Everyone probably thought it was broke or the bore was a rusted mess.

[Aragorn243]

Digging through my miscellaneous rifle parts I came up with new butt plate screws which are the right size. I think the one that was in it was not original, too large. I also found a correct size screw for the inside. No leads anywhere on the other two missing parts. I did go to the hardware store and nothing has the correct threads. I have a Berthier which has the same parts that I could take off to use the rifle but that's a bit inconvenient. I have swapped out the bolt head screw, bolt and action work fine. Butt Plate does match after getting the rust off of it. Only parts with serial numbers that don't match are the floor plate and the stock fore end. I guess I'm going to have to start rummaging though the bins at the gun shows. No one online seems to have anything.

[Aragorn243]

My son in law came over with his tap and die kit and we attempted to figure out the screw/bolt sizes and had no luck. We tried altering a metric 6 screw but it would not fit. He thinks it could be a metric 5 with a different thread angle. I do want to find originals for this but if I can get things which will work temprarily it would help. Anyone know the size screw and size nut that I'm missing?

[breakeyp]

French threads of the period are not Metric or SAE but unique for France. Oddly since the US copied the French muzzle loading rifle in the late 1700's, we also copied the thread form and used them through the trap door Springfield period. The back of the Dixie Catalog used to have a full page explaining this.

[Aragorn243]

So if I find a screw for a Springfield trapdoor I might be able to modify it to work? Would you know which one and if these are any easier to find?

[RCS]

Look up Springfield Sporters in PA and call them, they be able to help you