Hi all,
One other aspect to stripping an L1, removing the butt..... its enough to make a grown man cry!!
I have worked on a number of these splendid Rifles over the years and without question this is the hardest part:
First remove butt plate screws (Wood) or circular cover (plastic) "It is easier in my opinion to separate the upper from the lower to do this task" then, holding the lower firmly end down on the floor and keeping pressure on the large screw/bolt very carefully unscrew and remove the two inter linked springs, you need to be very careful not to give yourself a black eye as the springs are under considerable tension!
Then remove the small screw underneath (by the pistol grip) and very carefully prize the butt away from the lower.
On a wood butt (not fitted to plastic) make sure you don't loose the small spring and shock absorbing pin situated at the lower front of the butt.
Refitting.............aaaahhhhh!
First and easiest get a surplus L1A1 butt fitting tool, it really makes life easy, or make your own by modifying a long thin screwdriver, or the Heath Robinson approach, use a knitting needle to guide the springs back down the hole and attempt to hold them there as you try to screw the bolt back onto the thread... this requires the dexterity and precision of an athlete and is guaranteed to make you swear and scream like a para...(your Neighbours will think you are locked in a fight to the death with a burglar)
By the way, wood is easier to fit than plastic.
trust me, buy the tool!!
Cheers all, John.
