small hole in buttplate(s)

[ssgross]

Attachment 114094
You can clearly see it in the brass one...tiny hole above the top screw. I was just cleaning my rifle and noticed it. This small hole is threaded too.
What's its purpose?

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[smle addict]

On the backside, there is a screw that holds a flat spring in place, which keeps tension on the butt trap door, which keeps it closed.

[browningautorifle]

tiny hole above the top screw

a screw that holds a flat spring in place

That's it, I'm surprised you didn't see that when you turned it over too...

[ssgross]

well silly me, I'm surprised now too. I guess before I took it off and disassembled, the screw was covered in grime along with the plate and I didn't see it, naturally assuming it wasn't drilled all the way through like a 1903, and never gave it a thought. I gotta stop doing this so late at night - either working or posting. I did have enough of my wits to snap a pic before cleaning it.
Attachment 114099

[browningautorifle]

I took it off and disassembled,

That's why you didn't notice it... I do video stuff now if I think it might be a problem.

[RobD]

I mis-read this topic as "small hole in butt" and spat my coffee..

[ssgross]

glad I could provide some amusement! We certainly need it.
Actually, in all seriousness, the hole in this butt stock is small and tight. Looks like there is cloth patch that was wrapped around the stock bolt. It stayed in there when I removed the stock bolt - had to tap it out after unscrewing. I can see what appears to be cloth fibers around the rim of the hole. Will need to take my cheap bore/endoscope and check it out.
I owe you a cup of coffee, or 2, Rob.

EDIT: with all the grease cleaned...clearly they are wood fibers. either tear-out from when the hole was drilled, or shreaded from when the bolts leading edge was pushed through the tight hole.

[Alan de Enfield]

Actually, in all seriousness, the hole in this butt is small and tight.

You obviously need a small butt-plug to fill the hole.

[ssgross]

well, milsurps did it again...instead of a stupid question devolving into a feast for the trolls and online bullies like so many of the other forums, we keep it lighthearted, informative, and fun.
A pick of the butt in question...to keep it serious.
Attachment 114101

[smle addict]

Well... there are a multitude of responses here I could come up with (so many possible responses regarding "holes" and "butts"), but I think I'll take the high road and keep it clean!

Before you re-install that bolt, give it a good cleaning (remove any rust) and then coat it in a light coat of grease. While you shouldn't be regulalry be removing the butt-stock, this will ensure if you need to take it off again, it will be easier.

I had a stock come very loose on an MLE of mine. When I tried to tighten, no luck, and decided to remove. Stock bolt was so swollen in rust, it had jammed solid in the stock. Took lots of soaking with oil, and sore shoulder when I wrenched down to finally remove it.

to summarize "tight butts drive me nuts" (couldnt resist!)