Garys
NES Member
I ordered a US Savage made SMLE over the weekend. Mr. UPS dropped off the rifle early this afternoon and I eagerly opened the box. It's a pretty nice rifle, definitely in good condition. Some blueing worn off at the muzzle, a couple of what look like rust spots on the trigger guard, but over looks to be in good shape.
It does however need to be completely stripped down and cleaned up. It's covered from head to toe (or is it muzzle to butt plate?) in thick brown Cosmoline. In fact, some of what I originally thought was rust turned out to be dried up Cosmoline. I spent 20 minutes cleaning the bolt head and extractor alone.
As you can see from the picture, I'm most of the way there. I was even able to get the butt stock off using the rachet and a couple of extensions. I did find that the directions a www.Surplusrifle.com are for the Mk1, not the Mk1*. The only real difference is in bolt removal, and once I figured that out, it was easy.
I've found that Simple Green does a great job dissolving Cosmoline. I've got to get more, but it really cuts through the crap. I poured some into a container and have been soaking parts in it. It also cleans the stuff off of the wood without hurting the stain. Orange Glo cleans up any residue and shines the stock up really nice.
Has anyone taken the bolt on one of these apart? Apparently there is a special spanner to remove the striker pin. Has anyone used anything else to do this or should I just buy the tool?
Thanks,
Gary
It does however need to be completely stripped down and cleaned up. It's covered from head to toe (or is it muzzle to butt plate?) in thick brown Cosmoline. In fact, some of what I originally thought was rust turned out to be dried up Cosmoline. I spent 20 minutes cleaning the bolt head and extractor alone.
As you can see from the picture, I'm most of the way there. I was even able to get the butt stock off using the rachet and a couple of extensions. I did find that the directions a www.Surplusrifle.com are for the Mk1, not the Mk1*. The only real difference is in bolt removal, and once I figured that out, it was easy.

I've found that Simple Green does a great job dissolving Cosmoline. I've got to get more, but it really cuts through the crap. I poured some into a container and have been soaking parts in it. It also cleans the stuff off of the wood without hurting the stain. Orange Glo cleans up any residue and shines the stock up really nice.
Has anyone taken the bolt on one of these apart? Apparently there is a special spanner to remove the striker pin. Has anyone used anything else to do this or should I just buy the tool?
Thanks,
Gary