stock reinforcing bolt on S no4mk1*

[BobM]

Savage no4mk1* rework. No FTR, but cartouches on right side of buttstock with I assume 4-45 date plus other numbers and a circle with the arrow. Field refurbish? Anyway, there is a crossbolt through the forestock below the receiver ring. I have seen this on other rifles, but not a large percentage that pass through the shop. Was it added during refurbish and for what purpose? Thanks, Bob

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[Brian Dick]

I'd guess it's most likely out of Indian service. The Indians installed the screw in the vast majority of rifles that went back to workshops for both FR/FTR or just inspection. Pics of the markings on the buttstock will tell the tale for sure.

[Ridolpho]

for what purpose? Thanks, Bob

BobM: If a forend is not properly fit (sometimes due to aging) a longitudinal crack will often develop at the front triggerguard screw collar and can grow long enough to ruin it. The Indian's screw deals with the effect but not the cause. I've had a few that were saved by the screw, giving me the opportunity to make necessary repairs and salvage the forend. A reinforcing bolt was probably not installed routinely in Lee Enfields because the furniture deals with recoil in a completely different way than a full stocked Mauser, Mosin, etc.

Ridolpho

[BobM]

Thanks, but I can't do pics that way. Can only send by text. Thanks again for your replys, Bob

[Brian Dick]

It's just a typical Indian modification as designed by the British. No big deal. Some remove the screw and neatly dowel the hole but if your rifle has the Indian ordnance marks on the buttstock, I'd just leave it as another day in the history of the rifle.