Bren Gun Stock replacement

[Ralph Volkert]

I am in the middle of replacing the stock on my 1941 Mk1 M Inglis Bren gun. I stress "MIDDLE"!

It was my intention to replace the Mk2 stock that was on it with a Mk1 stock. I have cleaned the Mk1 stock and hardware and wanted to try a fit and see what she would look like. I took off the old Mk2 stock. (no problem, no springs flying)

Any hints on how I compress the bolt spring/rod without it making like; a jack in the box or slinky!?

I have been: Sliding the spring/rod into the tube holder
holding the retaining cover/nut flush with the end of the stock
I compress the sping by sliding the sock into place

and just as I try to screw it secure, it gets away from me and out it all comes!

Argh! There didnt seem to be that much tension on the spring when I undid it!

There has to be an easier way or am I missing something?