1917 end cap re-assembly

[Hoss]

Did you have to exert a lot of force when removing the screw?

I didn't have to whack it, I just poked it with the punch. I don't think it was very much force and it should have already been away from the metal. Numrich has the screws for $2.50 and the cap for $8. I'd rather not replace the cap but if the screw is just buggered up that will be easy.

Here are some pics I took before I started messing with it. They are all very dark so I'm only posting a few that show interesting stuff. I'll take some pics outside this weekend.

Anyone ever seen the bare wood under the bolt handle and safety? Is that a sign that someone refinished the stock and just didn't stain those parts?

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Patrick Chadwick]

Anyone ever seen the bare wood under the bolt handle and safety? Is that a sign that someone refinished the stock and just didn't stain those parts?

It looks to me as if someone shaved off a sliver of wood beneath the bolt handle. Deduction: it didn't fit, as it surely would have done when it left the arsenal, so something was altered - new bedding or replacement stock.

[Patrick Chadwick]

Filed or shaved beneath the bolt handle and the safety lever. So the system was sitting too low in the wood. Since wood does not normally expand on rifles stocks, but rather shrinks a little over decades, I reckon there is something non-original about the barrelled system/stock combination. Considering that together with the front band/screw problem, I think you need to check the rifle over minutely for other signs of mishandling.