SMLE No1 Mk III Forend

Help. I have a sporterized SMLE that I wish to return to military. I bought a stock set from GunParts and noticed that the rear of the forend is different. I've attached pictures of the original and the replacement forends. You'll notice the area where I was going to cut in order to fit the stock screw but decided I should ask first before cutting. Why the variation in the forends? Do I have other than an SMLE No 1 Mk III forend? If so, what type? This wouldn't be the first time that I've received the wrong parts from GunParts. I guess I should also add, are the rest of the stock parts, ie. butt stock, rear upper hand guard and front upper handguard useable on any model of the Enfield with the exception of the jungle carbine? Your assistance is appreciated. Thank you, Dennis

Dek, what website did you get that from? Was it e-gunparts? Im looking to restore mine too and the fore end is one of the last parts I need. So I want to make sure I don't order a dud. That fore end just looks huge compared to the original :S

You know, I've never taken my No. I apart to check, but something tells me you might be needing a forend for a Lee Enfield No. I Mk. III*, and received a forend for a Lee Enfield No. 4.

You got a post-war Indian forestock. It will fit, but is not period correct. India switched to that tie-plate in the 50's.

Thanks for the reply and information. I'll try to return the parts and call Springfield Sporters. Any other sources for stock parts? Dennis

Numrich gun parts?

Numerich is GunParts. That's where I got this replacement forend stock. Thanks, Dennis

Springfield Sporters, BDL Ltd might have something but I don't see any listed.

It is difficult to find the right forend, without the tie-plate. (I think Claven could testify for this). I've used only the Indian post-war forends for my projects (mind you, if I find a correct one, I sure will grab it). I think that even with the somewhat incorect forend, it's better than with a sporterized one :)

I wonder how much work would be involved in turning a "tie-plate" one into the earlier type. Might jusdt try that some day.

Lou

Personally, I'd go ahead and use the forend. Don't modify anything at the tie plate are of the stock. I had the same problem recently myself.

I ordered a No4 buttstock bolt and spring from Springfield Sporters and fitted these. The bolt thread is the same as the old SMLE's. It will allow your Indian made forearm to slide right into place with the buttstock attached. Actually a bit of an improvement over the old SMLE as far as ease of stock fitting is concerned and has no detrimental effect on accuracy.

Give it a try and be happy.