Rifle disassembly question

[biederboat]

I'm trying to disassemble (for cleaning) an older Enfield bolt action rifle. It was rebarreled and "fully bedded". I took out the screws from underneath, got the magazine out and was thinking it should all drop out. There is deflection (of the stock) around the bolt and the forearm of the stock but the middle section is down kind of snug. Do I use some soft taps with a soft punch and mallet through the magazine cut-out (against the bottom of the receiver)? My understanding is that a bedded barrel and action still can be separated from the stock for cleaning purposes, is that correct?

Now, I understand there's controversy about fully-bedded barrels and don't want to turn this thread into an accuracy issue (it was given to me like this). It's hit every deer it was ever aimed at (save one where there was no bullet in the bolt!) so it's accurate enough for me. Mainly I just need to know if I should be able to disassemble it.

Thanks,
Biederboat

[Hunt'nFish]

Mark,
Perhaps someone forgot to apply release agent when it was bedded??? Or maybe it's mechanically locked because clay wasn't used to fill in crevices in the action.
But even if it did get release, they can require a few smarts whacks of a a dead blow hammer onto a wooden down.

I use a 1" wooden dowel 12" long and insert as you describe and then turn the whole rifle right side up and slam the whole rifle w/ dowel such that the end of the dowel contacts the floor and simple inertia pops it free from the stock.
Hunt'nFish

[scottishsetter]

Heat it up...maybe. They can really stick if not coated before-hand even if it's just one small area. Heat it to as hot as you dare...if you have to have it out.

[biederboat]

Woohoo!! Came out EXACTLY as you said it would, I was just a little nervous, took about 15 raps, slowly made progress and then it fell to the floor. Okay, I'm kidding about that last part.

Thanks Mike
Biederboat

[scottishsetter]

Sometimes(I know) it can 'take wood' with the fall.

[Don Fischer]

Unless it's locked in, put it in the freezer overnight. The steel where it is glued will contract and a good rap shuld bring it out. Of course if notches and screw holes weren't filled with clay, you might need an ax!