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Operating the cutoff

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MuttCat View Drop Down
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    Posted: November 15 2021 at 3:38am
After watching some videos of SMLEs in action, I had the urge to mess with mine a bit...it's been a long time since I fooled with it.  What got my attention was the magazine cutoff.  Since I've never fired the thing, and the rifle is in great condition, I figured it would work just fine.  I mean really, just grab it and push it in, and pull it out.

Nope.

The cutoff was pushed in, and would not budge...what the heck?  I dropped the magazine and the cutoff still would not swing out.  I pondered this for a couple of days, looked up some schematics, and could only think it was rusted in place.  So I went at again.  Removing the mag, I discovered that with my thumb in the breech I could push the cutoff out.  Then the bulb lit!  The cutoff has to be depressed slightly before it can be pulled out.  That little bit of flat steel on top of the cutoff has to clear the side of the receiver.

I feel quite accomplished.  But, and I defer to the experts, is this how the cutoff properly works?
I know, rookie.....
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terrylee View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote terrylee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 15 2021 at 9:41am
Had never thought about it. Its an automatic action when you open the cut-off with your right thumb.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote A square 10 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 15 2021 at 5:46pm
i had the same thought but its an accurate description of the movement to have it function , im sure basic training back then covered it but since these were dispensed with -mostly- in 1915 i guess its not a common thought these days , 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SGonger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 15 2021 at 5:47pm
Howdy 🤠 y’all 
That little piece of flat steel steel (wedge) is called the (cut-off catch) & yep by slightly depressing the cut-off at the thumb-piece it will (should open out wards,if it swings freely in & outward’s then something is wrong as in (worn out etc).
Cheer’s.

Anyone seen the Tardis Box anywhere? 🤨
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MuttCat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 16 2021 at 2:29am
I have since noticed that the "wedge" is well polished on its leading edged and can well imagine that over time with enough wear it will no longer stay in place.

Also interesting is the little peep hole.  I guess that's there so that you can see if there are rounds in the magazine?  Seems a bit silly.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote terrylee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 16 2021 at 4:05am
What I find interesting about the cut-off is an apparent change in purpose. Initially, to hold the magazine in reserve while single loading.  Eliminated during 1915 as a manufacturing shortcut. However, reinstated during the 1920s following the WW I appreciation of rapid magazine fire. Obviously, its purpose was then a safety feature.   
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SGonger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 16 2021 at 7:09am
Originally posted by MuttCat MuttCat wrote:

I have since noticed that the "wedge" is well polished on its leading edged and can well imagine that over time with enough wear it will no longer stay in place.

Also interesting is the little peep hole.  I guess that's there so that you can see if there are rounds in the magazine?  Seems a bit silly.
Howdy y’all;
The little peep hole was used in the jig setup’s when machining the cut-off’s to hold them in place.
The only cut-off not to have the (peep hole) is the MKV type.
Cheer’s.
Anyone seen the Tardis Box anywhere? 🤨
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MuttCat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 16 2021 at 7:14am
And there you have it!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SGonger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 16 2021 at 7:18am
Originally posted by terrylee terrylee wrote:

What I find interesting about the cut-off is an apparent change in purpose. Initially, to hold the magazine in reserve while single loading.  Eliminated during 1915 as a manufacturing shortcut. However, reinstated during the 1920s following the WW I appreciation of rapid magazine fire. Obviously, its purpose was then a safety feature.   
Yep interesting for sure as safety feature.
Both HMS & RAN both had a tradition of using them.
The RAN used & (kepted) the volley sight & (cut-off) setup MKIII’s well into WW2 on ships & range target practice etc.
Cheer’s.
Anyone seen the Tardis Box anywhere? 🤨
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