L1A1 Problem

[tankhunter]

If the plastic butt matters, I undertstand that BDL is kinee deep in them! Cheaper than a new return spring tube I guess.....

BDL Pete? Bad Debts Limited?......Enlighten me please Sir!.............

[Peter Laidler]

The great man himself.......... Brian Dick Ltd of South Carolina.

[tankhunter]

The great man himself.......... Brian Dick Ltd of South Carolina.

Gottcha! Cheers Mate!

[Terrylee]

Failure. I'm afraid. My gunsmith friend attempted to remove the return spring screw from my L1A1 and broke a tool in the process. The matter has also been discussed with an ex-Rhodesian armourer who is very familiar with the L1A1. Their combined opinion is that this part of the rifle has been assembled using loktite.

A final option is to make a tool out of hex steel that can be bolted onto the return spring screw and turned using the leverage of a suitable spanner or wrench. This will provide even more force than has been applied up to now. The risk here is that this method will break off the return spring tube .

I think, with great regret, that I'll have to stick to the marynal furniture now on my 1960 rifle.

[browningautorifle]

If you have the spare parts available, just hacksaw through the offending butt and be done. It's extreme but you can then unscrew the tube from the lower and replace all to satisfaction. Otherwise, there's an attatchment for the propane torch that applies heat to parts but not flame. Anywhere that has torch kits should have it.

[Peter Laidler]

We'vbe probably been through this before but to be honest, if you want to replace the butt with a wooden one. just hacksaw the old butt off, leaving the return spring rod, nut, spring and plunger in place. THEN use heat to break down the locktite and unscrew the nut. Jeees, if you really want to keep the old plastic butt, get one from BDL or I'll send you one! But really and honestly, this isn't the problem it's being made out to be.................. unless I'm missing something. Any other comments Son, Skippy and Tankie. We've ALL had trouble. I've even had them run over but have still got them apart.

What you really need is one that's been run over on the firing point and has to be cut open with a hacksaw, on site, just so that it can be proved to be unloaded. Happened with an L85A2/SA80 not 3 weeks ago too!

[tankhunter]

[QUOTE=Peter Laidler;168346]We'vbe probably been through this before but to be honest, if you want to replace the butt with a wooden one. just hacksaw the old butt off, leaving the return spring rod, nut, spring and plunger in place. THEN use heat to break down the locktite and unscrew the nut. Jeees, if you really want to keep the old plastic butt, get one from BDL or I'll send you one! But really and honestly, this isn't the problem it's being made out to be.................. unless I'm missing something. Any other comments Son, Skippy and Tankie. We've ALL had trouble. I've even had them run over but have still got them apart.

Pete, Agreed, this subject HAS been covered before. I echo your comment re removal. Been there, done that Etc (MANY Times!) Another POSSIBILITY, would be to get a large screwdriver. One that the end tip fitted the slot WELL! Or File a slice of metal flatbar to the correct width & depth. Harden & Temper it & fit a good wood handle to the opposite end. Then, with the rifle TMH firmly held in a bench vice.If you have an assistant press down HARD against the return spring screw in the butt. YOU can fit a big adjustable spanner (F Wrench would be better!) to this flatbar & turn it. You MAY well unscrew the return spring tube from the Trig Mech Housing. This does NOT matter, as you then CAN apply heat to the tube alone when removed. To remove the end nut, then clean up & refit to the TMH. When refitting tube & nut, GREASE them to prevent this from Re-occuring & also prevent the ingress of Water to the inards & threads!......

[Peter Laidler]

Or better still, use that xxxxing great big screwdriver we used to call the 'BIT, screwdriver, stock bolt' That in a brace will definately unscrew it.

[Terrylee]

Thanks, Chaps. Your input is much appreciated and very informative. The present butt is virtually perfect and I'm most reluctant to destroy it. I shall make a suitable tool and try it in conjunction with heat if possible.