How to Re-Barrel an SMLE
- 1). Field strip the SMLE 4. The bolt must be removed from the receiver.
- 2). Mount the barrel vise to a workbench.
- 3). Select the appropriate barrel shims from the barrel vise kit. Proper shims will grip the SMLE 4 barrel tightly in the vise and not allow it to turn.
- 4). Install the barrel into the vise with the shims clamping the milled flat spot on the barrel just ahead of the receiver. Tighten the nuts on the vise sufficiently so the barrel will not turn.
- 5). Clamp the two halves of the action wrench around the action of the SMLE 4, and tighten securely.
- 6). Strike the handle of the action wrench with sharp blows from a ball peen hammer to break the action free and initiate rotation in a counterclockwise direction. Do not attempt to break the action free by turning the action wrench by hand or you may bend the action. Once the action turns counterclockwise freely, rotate the action wrench by hand and unscrew the action from the barrel.
- 7). Tighten the new barrel in the barrel vise. Thread the action onto the new barrel.
- 8). Check the alignment of the rear sight relative to the front sight as you tighten the action. The rear sight should be aligned with the front sight post.
- 9). Insert the bolt and verify that the extractor slot in the barrel aligns with the claws on the extractor.
- 10
Follow manufacturer's recommendations with the headspace gauges to verify that the headspace in the chamber is correct. - 11
Reassemble the rifle.
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