New No.4 Rifle...

[SpikeDD]

amadeus76.... That is a common problem with the Mk.I*. The corners of the bolt release slot get worn or broken allowing the obvious forces on the bolt head to rotate out of the now larger span. It is quite repairable with a spot of mig weld and very careful dremel grinding. You will also want to use a small file and put a chamfer on the forward and rear edges on the slot in the bolt head to help prevent further damage.

[browningautorifle]

The bolt seems to occasionally come out of battery.

That happens with most .303s that are dry fired. Or do you mean the bolt head comes out of the track when you open the bolt but not with live ammo? That would be the empty holding the bolt head from rotating up. The repair described will refurbish the running track.

[amadeus76]

That happens with most .303s that are dry fired. Or do you mean the bolt head comes out of the track when you open the bolt but not with live ammo? That would be the empty holding the bolt head from rotating up. The repair described will refurbish the running track.

Yes, that's what I meant... Looks like I have a meeting with a gunsmith in my future.

Thanks all.

[Parashooter]

When welding is not an available option, a bit of judicious peening can sometimes move enough metal on even a badly-worn rail for enough "bite" to solve the problem. The chamfer is important in any case.

[Peter Laidler]

To us, a rifle damaged to that extend that would be at the end of the road. Totally beyond repair and down to the A&G section to meet the hot-axe. We might repair something UP TO half that.

[Brian Dick]

I've scrapped several Savage and Long Branch Mk.1* rifles over the years because of that problem. They can be tig welded and with the barrel removed, filed back to spec and refinished but since I lost my tig welding guy, I don't bother with them anymore. I just part them out for the spares drawer.