Peter, a question on Pattern 1913 sling swivel screws

[breakeyp]

I have a problem with a Pattern 1913 (not a Pattern 1914) rifle that has sling swivel screws made with holes drilled in the end of the threaded portion of the screw. Apparently the factory set the screw with a punch to spread the end of the installed screw. The screw is fixed in place and I hesitate to get too rough as the screw is as new and I don't expect to find a replacement anywhere. I expect the holed screw was dropped in production because of the same problem.

Do you have any magic suggestions on how to get it out? I expect they filed off part of the screw end as I can't imagine how much force would be required by unscrewing the part, forcing the staked portion into alignment with the band thread.

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[Brian Dick]

It's probably best to file them a bit to remove the staked part. The screws on the P'13, P'14/ US M1917 are the same as SMLE band screws and I've got plenty if you need spares. All are open on the thread end for staking and in new condition. Are you coming to KCR next week?

[Peter Laidler]

I think Brian has the answer there Paul

[breakeyp]

Thanks to you both. I just realized that I naturally assumed that the Pattern 1913 being made at Enfield would have the Enfield Inch thread and the US produced Pattern 1914 would be SAE thread. No I have more homework to do.

Brian we won't be at Knob Creek this time. I am sure you will have wondeful weather because of that. best, p.

[Brian Dick]

I'll miss you guys. It was nice in October. It'll be a miracle to get good weather two shows in a row there. Fingers crossed.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

P-13, P-14 and M-17 rifles are full of "Enfield Special" threads; sort of an "almost" Whitworth form but with a different flank angle and really odd pitches.

When the supply of originals runs out, the only way to economically make them is in big runs on CNC screw-making machinery. Want a weird diameter, 26 1/3 TPI BA form, tapered head screw? CNC will do it, for a price. I got some trigger screws made for Martini Cadets a while ago; "bastard" thread, tapered and domed head. Had to order a thousand to make it worth the effort of the CNC shop. Worst part for them was cutting the slot in the tiny head. Still have most of them!

And then there are the take-down pins for the Cadet..........

[smellie]

There must have been taps and dies for these critters somewhere, somewhen, somehow.

Does anyone know who made the things?

Are any originals available?

Are modern-made taps and dies available?

There are a lot of Rifles in this country but not a lot of parts for the older models. There are parts galore in the USA but they cannot be sent to Canada, mostly because of recently-implemented bureaucratic impedimenta.... yet we are told forever that we have "free trade". Many of us cannot afford a $250 permit every time we want to import $10 worth of screws.

Taps and dies would help a lot. BA, BSF and Whitworth are available from machinists' supply companies, but the original Enfield threads are not.

[Peter Laidler]

In our EMER's, there was a big list of No1 rifle screw threads that could be cleaned out to BA sizes and thereafter No4 rifle screws could be used. Not original, but to be honest, we didn't go a bundle on orignality. Our game was keeping the stuff going as opposed to looking at it. I seem to recall that we had EY rifles in War Reserve stockpiles until the early 70's and some of the School Cadet Forces had No1 rifles on issue until the 90's and I would imagine that they've still got No2 rifles today

Just my take on things from many years at the sharp end

[Brit plumber]

I learned today that the Air Training Corps still have a load of No.8 rifles in use in Scotland. One of the Senior Air Craftsman I was chatting to said he just had a text message asking where he put the No.8 paperwork. So I got chatting and he said he just spent a week in the North of Scotlad servicing the ATC No.8s. Still going strong.

[Peter Laidler]

The Army Cadets are still knee deep in the No8's. I rebuilt 10 for a local school last Summer. Knowledge anmd experience with them is in short supply. They are still available for Army units who want them for competition use too