No1 mk3 star stock bolt protrusion

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M1911

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Calgary, Alberta
I recently came into ownership of a no1 mk3*

After disassembling I see the butt stock bolt does not protrude past the threads into where it should seat in the fore stock

The bolt has a square section on the end and I can clearly see the cutout in the forend where it should sit (ie. the reason people say not to remove the buttstock before the forend, If I were to unscrew the stock bolt on mine with the front wood still installed I would have no issue)

There is a single flat washer in the hole and it is seated as far down as it will go however I suspect it is too wide and may not be fully seated at the bottom, causing the bolt not to seat fully. I have tried screwing in the bolt without the washer and it does protrude past the threads about 1/4”

Is it normal for the bolt not to protrude past the threads or should I try to find a washer with a smaller diameter? I don’t want to shoot the rifle if it’s not in proper configuration (or maybe I’m worried about nothing)

Photo of the bolt screwed in as far as it will go:

https://imgur.com/a/R0w05jW

Thanks
 
The safety cutout is an external giveaway for No. 4 vs No. 1.
If the washer you are using doesn't bottom out, things cannot be correct.
 
Well, 1911, whatever the reason, this feature isn't essential for proper operation.

Check with a long screwdriver or a magnet to see if there's already a washer in the buttstock. If there is, then no need for the second one. Then reinstall the buttstock, and screw it on tight, ensuring any protruding portion of the stock bolt is going to slide in the forend inletted key or "plate".

This part was intended to ensure the bolt wouldn't come loose, but chances are this is not going to happen if you tighten the bolt enough and if you don't fight your way through No-Man's-Land and storm trenches German repeatedly over several weeks. As long as the buttstock is tight and the bolt square tip isn't binding on the plate, you will be ok.
 
My number three Sporter it actually protrudes a little bit more than that but it's at the same angle I had a wobbly buttstock I bought washer after washer drilled it out ground them down tried to fit it still the same then I remove the four stock and like magic it worked.
And I'm guessing that you might have a number 4 stock on your rifle
 
The washer that appears to be down in the butt in the photo kind of looks like a spring washer or "Thackeray" washer. The Indians eliminated the keeper plate for their No. 1 rifles in 1932 by simply using a spring washer to keep it tight and shortening the bolt so that it didn't protrude above the socket. I would suggest putting it back together without the additional washer and seeing how far the bolt protrudes or if it sits below the end of the threads. You have the choice of either going solely with the locking washer and grinding any protruding end of bolt off or going with a single washer that is thin enough to allow the squared end to do its job. Given the amount of tinkering done by guys when they get a new gun its probably best to make this one safe for all time by using a locking washer only.

New Lee Enfield owners should think twice about removing buttstocks if there is no real reason to do it. Unless its loose there's just no reason. If its loose remember to never try to tighten it without removing the forend first.

milsurpo
 
Turns out there was not one but at least three washers down there (all flat, not spring) The first made of metal, the second (the one in the photo which eventually fell out) appears to be made of wood, and then another below it still stuck inside made of metal (confirmed with a magnet)

My guess is someone removed the butt at some point, assumed there were no washers installed and just threw another one on. Every screw head is marred to death on this thing so it’s fair to say it’s been messed with a few times in its lifetime

I’m just going to install it with one or two washers (whatever gives the proper bolt protrusion) and move on with my life

Thanks all!
 
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