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SMLE Bolts for Mark III and Mark IV

hermiemhermiem Member Posts: 261 ✭✭✭
edited January 2016 in Ask the Experts
I'm still trudging along reconstructing these SMLE's. Anyway, I messed up and mixed up the bolts for the two. That would be ok if there were only 2 bolts. However, I have at least 6 of them and stupidly I somehow mixed the Mark III's with the Mark IV's. I Can't tell them apart. If anyone can please tell me what the differences are I'd appreciate it. This is the first issue.

The second issue is I cant get any of them to fit in the bolt channel . I'm working on a Mark IV that has the bolt head access at the rear of the receiver in back of the charging bridge with the bolt head that snaps over the bolt release button. My problem is I can't get the bolt head to get past the trigger sear and and side. I can move the trigger sear so that's no problem. I can see that if I file some metal I probably can get it to fit. My question is do I file the metal on the bolt head OR the material on the action where it is rubbing?

Thanks guys! Always a big help!

Comments

  • fordsixfordsix Member Posts: 8,554 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    if they came out they must go back in???
  • charliemeyer007charliemeyer007 Member Posts: 6,572 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Will not help this time but only take 1 or two apart at the same time. Second have one or more plastic lidded multi compartment containers. Post it notes written in Sharpie labeling each box or compartment with the parts to each rifle.

    Some or the retainer units could be rusty, broken or crudded up. Clean and inspect. A buddy had one that the retainer spring was rusted away. A piece of tooth pick wedge it in place so the bolt would stay in if you worked the action quickly, other wise the flap would pop up for bolt removal.

    Headspace. There are like 10 different heads to get the correct headspace. It's not like a Mauser where all most any bolt will be within specs.
  • hermiemhermiem Member Posts: 261 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    They did NOT come out of any of the actions that I have. ALL parts were purchased online from SARCO and other parts houses. This includes the barreled actions and all of the parts for the bolts. I've basically just started out from scratch with used parts. IF they came out of a complete firearm I would have known which one it was in.


    quote:Originally posted by fordsix
    if they came out they must go back in???
  • TfloggerTflogger Member Posts: 3,389 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by hermiem
    They did NOT come out of any of the actions that I have. ALL parts were purchased online from SARCO and other parts houses. This includes the barreled actions and all of the parts for the bolts. I've basically just started out from scratch with used parts. IF they came out of a complete firearm I would have known which one it was in.


    quote:Originally posted by fordsix
    if they came out they must go back in???
  • TfloggerTflogger Member Posts: 3,389 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Tflogger
    quote:Originally posted by hermiem
    They did NOT come out of any of the actions that I have. ALL parts were purchased online from SARCO and other parts houses. This includes the barreled actions and all of the parts for the bolts. I've basically just started out from scratch with used parts. IF they came out of a complete firearm I would have known which one it was in.


    quote:Originally posted by fordsix
    if they came out they must go back in???

    I,m having trouble with my tablet.
    I had the same problem years ago. The bolt head is different between the two. I was lucky and found a book, YouTube might be your best answer.
  • mmppresmmppres Member Posts: 3,180 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    they usually just slide in with out much problems are you sure the receivers are not bent
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