ShtLE Mk V

[Peter Laidler]

It makes youi wonder why there was a need for a top nosecap band. After all, nothing changed at that end. The stresses and strains remained the same. Bayonet fixings, cup discharger loadings were the same. Top handguard fittings the same....., under the nosecap at one end, lower band at the other. Indeed, except for a few internal odds and sods, so was the fore-end - to the extent that the conversion even used the original fore-ends albeit slightly modified.

As a matter of interest, this nose-cap band arrangement was a feature on one of the lightweight rifle prototypes. Mind you, that was for another reason.....

Comments anyone.........

[browningautorifle]

By the sound of things may have paid too much.

No, you actually have one, I haven't even seen one here for several years. Ridolpho picked up what would amount to the only one loose here in a long time. So be happy and now you can see if these guys can guide you on how to make a front band...

[smith3006]

[QUOTE=Peter Laidler;371024]It makes youi wonder why there was a need for a top nosecap band. After all, nothing changed at that end. The stresses and strains remained the same. Bayonet fixings, cup discharger loadings were the same. Top handguard fittings the same....., under the nosecap at one end, lower band at the other. Indeed, except for a few internal odds and sods, so was the fore-end - to the extent that the conversion even used the original fore-ends albeit slightly modified.

Peter, this was my original thought when first seeing the rifle. Not being well versed in .303 rifles, I originally thought there was a mismatch of woods as there was a provision for a band that seemed to contradict the nose cap that was so familiar with later rifle versions. Skennerton provided the word description but yet to see an actual band and how it fitted.

[browningautorifle]

an actual band and how it fitted.

We have that here someplace... https://www.milsurps.com/showthread....MkV+front+band

[5thBatt]

I have just purchased a MK V dated 1923 and paid A$2150.00 in really good condition, all matching numbers and mint bore. Unfortunately it is missing the front band securing the nose cap. By the sound of things may have paid too much.

1923 is the rarer year with only about 2000 made

[smith3006]

1923 is the rarer year with only about 2000 made

That makes me feel a whole better. Thanks also to BAR as I have bookmarked that thread to help chase down a band eventually. Can also see now how it was fitted. Can't wait to get the MK V licenced and get it home which is a lengthy process here. Not sure whether its an 18 or 20 shilling piece. When you are a bayonet/ edge weapons collector for nearly 40 years to now get into longarms is very different and not sure whether I am moving from or into the dark side.

[bigduke6]

That makes me feel a whole better. Thanks also to BAR as I have bookmarked that thread to help chase down a band eventually. Can also see now how it was fitted. Can't wait to get the MK V licenced and get it home which is a lengthy process here. Not sure whether its an 18 or 20 shilling piece. When you are a bayonet/ edge weapons collector for nearly 40 years to now get into longarms is very different and not sure whether I am moving from or into the dark side.

Regarding the part of the thread that BAR posted, when I fitted the band shown it was on a NOS fore-end and handguard, the originals or original rifles did not have any part cutaway for the band, you may see some slight marks or colour difference where the band was fitted and nothing else, any signs of major removal then I would guess its a later fore-end and hand guard or the wrong band fitted.

[browningautorifle]

when I fitted the band

Well, I wanted to just show him the make up of the band and what it looked like in parts.

[bigduke6]

Well, I wanted to just show him the make up of the band and what it looked like in parts.

Understand Jim, appreciate it too..... my hand was as steady as a surgeon that day, post #37 was just to clarify the difference as I'd hate to think of anyone carving up there No1 Mk V fore-end.....for no reason
For anyone interested the thread I posted regarding a budget build of a Mk V, It is in the stickies on the Restorers corner, in the last of the pics the rifle I imported was sold last year and possible the main one in the thread will be also sold..... all depends on the funds and what sell and what doesn't. Don't be alarmed I'm not selling up, just raising cash for the most recent purchase.

[A square 10]

still have mine , im not inclined to sell quite yet ,