Need A Stock Set

This afternoon I bought a Moltby No. 4 Mk. 1. The buttstock has been pieced at the heel and toe, and the fore-end has the "Dreaded Ishapore Screw". I fired 20 rounds through it after I got it home, and it groups about 3 1/2 inches at 100 yards. I'm thinking of sending the action and all other metal parts off to Dean Dillabaugh for refinishing, and would like to replace the stock set. I see that Springfield Sporters has beechwood stock sets for about $75, but would really prefer walnut. Anybody know of a reliable source for a good walnut stock set?

You might try Sarco, you can call them and have them describe the next set on the pile (I did).

I've bought wood from Numrich and been very happy, walnut? I dunno whats there these days.
Check enfield resource, there's a lot of wood sources listed.

Beech would be the most correct, but since you are refinishing it (and destroying any collector value) I guess it doesn't really matter.

What's "Dreaded" about the cross screw? Or repairs to the butt?

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Originally Posted by lucky dog

Beech would be the most correct, but since you are refinishing it (and destroying any collector value) I guess it doesn't really matter.

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Since it has (1)virtually no finish left at all, (2) is import-marked, and (3) is an Ishapore rebuild with a force-matched renumbered bolt, it really has no collector value at all. I bought it as a shooter, not a collectors' item.

Wasn't trying to ruffle your feathers there conductor. But since this is a "Forum for discussion by serious collectors of Lee Enfield arms, accessories, ammunition, and accoutrements" I thought I would advise you that Parkerising or re-bluing would kill the collector value if you ever decided to sell it. Brian Dick offers refinishing with Suncronite which is very durable and more correct. The mismatched bolt is not that big of a deal anymore as long as it is correctly headspaced. The screw is less desirable than a rifle without, unless someone doesn't have that variant and really wants one to fill a niche in their collection. The import marks are almost a given unless it has been in the country before '68 when the mandate was issued. It is your rifle do what you wish with it.

Numrich has them in stock for $89,95. These are brand new stock sets in walnut, part number 502850. These are only shown in their hard copy catalogs, not on on-line cats.

regards

It's not the CHS-ing of the bolt that's important....., that can be adjusted with the bolt head. It's the actual FIT of the locking lugs of the bolt to the corresponding shoulders in the body that's important

Just thought that I'd reiterate that important point chaps..............

Springfield sporters will sort your butt problem out. Go to http://www.ssporters.com/parts/enfield4.htm
you need Part number 16B BUTT STOCK, NEW BRITISH, NORMAL LENGTH, WALNUT at $10.00 or, even better, 16D BUTT STOCK, NEW LONG LENGTH BRITISH (P.H.), WALNUT $15.00. I say "even better" because with a longer butt, IMHO the peep sight becomes finer to the eye and accuracy improves.
As regards the forearm, that wood is pricey, so I would just remove the Ishapore screw and plug the hole with pieces from the old butt. If you match the grain it will look fine.

Many thanks to all who responded. I'll contact (1) Brian Dick about refinishing with Suncorite, and (2) Numrich about their walnut stock set.

Remember Conductor, just slapping a set of wood onto a No4 is simple. It's got to FIT correctly if you want to hit anything. If you need the fitting details, ask someone more computer literate than me as I wrote it all up some time ago.

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Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

Remember Conductor, just slapping a set of wood onto a No4 is simple. It's got to FIT correctly if you want to hit anything. If you need the fitting details, ask someone more computer literate than me as I wrote it all up some time ago.

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Many thanks. I'll do as you suggest.

The walnut stock sets that Century Arms (have/used to have?), are Turkish walnut made for Pakistan. I bought a few sets a couple of years ago and it's absolutely beautiful stuff once cleaned up. All the sets I received were Mk.2 though so I don't know if they are being offered with Mk.1 forends or not. Original British and Canadian walnut forends are scarce on the ground now. I haven't found any in a very long time.

As for Suncorite 259; to finish properly to MoD specification, the metal parts will have to be degreased, bead blasted and Parkerized first, the Suncorite applied by spraying and then baked properly for an hour once set up. Many won't pay the price for the job but I have to tell you that it's time consuming work and the result is impossible to beat for looks and durability. There's a reason the MoD still use this same finish today.

As a note of interest: the buttstocks offered by Springfield Sporters in Long length are not Parker-Hale manufacture as advertised. They are the Turkish walnut variants made for Pakistan.

Mk2 fore-ends will fit and work perfectly on Mk1 and 1* rifles. We never allowed for this relaxation but did for DP rifles of course in the interests of good old British economy. But don't forget to fit the transverse screw and nut, tie, fore-end afterwards

Peter's correct as always but I'm somewhat of a purist so I've never fitted one up to a Mk.1. I'm sure a tired, butchered No.4Mk.2 will find it's way here one of these days and I'll give it the once-over with full metal refinish and a new set of this beautiful Turkish walnut!