Can this SMLE Fore-end be repaired?

[Charlie303]

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The above sad pictures are my 1942 BSA SMLE's Stock (fore-end).

The SMLE is a BSA 'dispersal' rifle (see Skennerton's 'The Lee Enfield Story', p176) and probably a fairly good example of the type with a mix of furniture and a 4 groove barrel.

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I was happily shooting it at Bisley, and noticed bits of wood dropping out of the bottom. Not a good thing I thought!

Yes, we know the cause, the butt was removed before the stock (NOT ME!!!).

I was lucky enough to find a near identical beech stock/fore-end from Terry Abrams.

But, can the original stock, numbered to the rifle, be saved, and who in the UK might be able to undertake it such a repair?

Thanks,

Charlie

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[SpikeDD]

Not sure if Peter Laidler does work like this now as a retired armourer, but that's who I'd want to fix mine if I were in the UK

[Peter Laidler]

The real questions are these. Is it worth repairing and is it economic to? After all, you've already purchased a replacement - so why bother repairing the old one? Are you going to spend money on the old one just to see it wasted as it's sat in a cupboard waiting for the new one to fall to bits in X years.

Reminds me of my friend locally who has a garage full of used but rebuilt MGBGT assemblies..... just in case. A totally rebuilt complete front chassis crossmember, an o/d gearbox PLUS a rebuilt o/d unit, back axle PLUS a couple of crownwheel and pinion variables. Pedal box with new cylinders..... Anyway........

Yep, it could be repaired but to achieve what?

[Charlie303]

Hi Peter,

You've hit the nail on the head as usual. These questions have occurred to me, as I sat at my desk with the old stock leaning against the wall gathering dust for the last few years.

The new one, a fine piece of beech, by BSA (marked 47C, 1956) is actually nicer wood than the original.

But its the fact that the old one is original, 1942, BSA, numbered...blah, blah, that makes me want to repair it. If it could be fixed, and strongly enough for use, I probably would, and with the few rounds that go down the barrel, it might hopefully outlast its present owner.

So, what are the arguments for repair?
- I don't like something lying around that's broke.
- I think it probably has enough historical significance to warrant repair.

Against?
- Cost. If we're talking hundreds, no, I don't think so.
- Availability of parts - I've looked, but cannot find that funny brass screw that goes through the stock. If I could, I might have tried myself - but I'm not sure I've the skill/experience to effect a usable repair.
- Finding someone who can do it. I know that there's a firm... but they've received some rather bad press lately. No names, no details, but some of my LERA mates have some woeful stories.

Regards,

Charlie

[Simon P]

It Should cost about £50 to fix, if the other draw is worn it might be worth patching that side as well.

Why not have ago and fix your self.

[bigduke6]

The funny brass screw was mentioned on a thread some time back, think it comes in a lengths or a roll, I,d of gone with the repair myself, as you would be killing a few birds with one stone. One of Peters articles regarding the replacement of the draws would give you an idea of whats involved etc.

[Brian Dick]

Wow, we've seen that before. Gotta love the great apes who tighten the butt bolt with the forend still fitted. To think they could have spent $10 on a S.A.I.S. No.1 booklet from Ian Skennerton that has a chapter dedicated to proper disassembly and maintenance of the SMLE but I disgress.

[Charlie303]

Thanks everybody, I'm encouraged to have a go. After all, I can't make it much worse!

I believe that the damage was done just before I acquired it. The dealer who sold it to me said that the rifle had been kept as a display item and 'preserved' with thick, dark yacht varnish. The rifle had been given to a 'wood specialist' to refurbish. He did a lovely job on the wood, but presumably completely stripped it and didn't know about removing the butt before the fore-end.

I'll go off and read the relevant PL articles on repair and check the threads on brass screws. If anybody gets wind of some of the stuff, please drop me a line!

Cheers.

[Ridolpho]

Charlie303: Dig deep in the threads on the forum here and you'll find some excellent photographic documentation by members that accomplished this repair. Yours requires, of course, replacement of the whole draws area which seems daunting at first but at this point there's really not much more damage you can do to it. If patch number one fails you can saw/ chisel it out and try again. I've personally done 4 now that were in this state (or worse) and, in each case, ended up with a functional forend. Having your new spare beside you will help you figure out the shape of the insert you have to make and glue/ dowel into the forend. Good luck with it- maybe other members who have the ability can locate and provide links to some of the key threads. Good luck with it.

Ridolpho

[RobD]

Charlie, I would definitely do it.
For the brass rod, go to ebay.co.uk and search for "threaded brass rod" -I think you will need M2.5 such as in item number 161882637005
For the glue, google the Titebond range
Rob