Changing the stock ?

[Whitey_Vic]

Hi Guys, I am putting a different stock on one of my .303's I remember seeing some where that I have to do something else on the rifle before I undo the stock bolt but I cant remember what it is. Any ideas??

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[SpikeDD]

If it is a No.1 Mk.III/III*, you must first remove the forestock BEFORE you remove the buttstock bolt or you may split the rear of the forestock. When reassembling, you fit the buttstock first and make sure the square end of the buttstock bolt is square with the notch in the rear reinforcing band that is inlet in the rear of the forestock.

[Whitey_Vic]

Thanks David, I knew it was something like that.

Mark

[RobD]

Is there a compelling reason why nowadays we should preserve the square tip on the stock bolt? I find it hard to imagine the bolt working itself loose, the rifle being in a collection and occasionally used on the range.
In the past, I have ground off the square tips (when I've found them) to prevent disasters in the future.
Is that bad practice?

[Ridolpho]

RobD: I'd say why not? I've upgraded a number of my No.1's with a spring washer ala No. 4 just like the Indians started doing in the 30's. Sometimes it requires an additional plain washer to do the job.

Ridolpho

[Peter Laidler]

On the other hand, I'd just like to ask why you are changing the fore-end? If it's for a simple aesthetic reason then please think twice because these rifles were made before the days of swop-and-go! In the days of hand fitting by time served experienced Armourers who even then would baulk at the idea of changing a fore-end.