Replacement No4 forend

Hi all,

I replaced the internally cracked forend on my 44 dated Maltby with a 1950's NOS replacement.

All restocked and bedded correctly via Peters excellent articles on the subject, with some difficulty, due to the rather rough and vague factory cuts.

On reassembly I came across a problem I wasn't expecting, the front forend band screw couldn't be screwed in due to the apparent difference in external dimensions between the old forend and the new one.

It's definitely fuller in profile.

Basically I need a new longer screw, are there longer examples available?

I've made a temporary fix with a small threaded bar and nut cut to length.

You have to shave wood from the top of the fore-end, FROM THE LOWER BAND FORWARD, equally from both sides, deepening the shave towards the muzzle. That way it lowers the front end of the top handguard and makes the upper band fit closer together. Don't overdo it..... You can also shave wood from the handguard too, taking most wood off as you get towards the muzzle end. Fitted about a million of them....

Thanks Peter, I was somewhat taken back by the rough shaping on first 'offer up', for instance, though the forend is straight, with no twist (so a good starting point) the barrel was pinching the entire length of the forend and I had to remove quite a bit of wood to allow the barrel to float down to the muzzle rest.

I've done a few over the years, but this example is rather fuller in profile, never had that issue with front band before, I was scratching my head trying to think were I went wrong, until I retreated with a cup of tea and took comparison measurements of both forends.

I'd bet it's a South African contract beech forend. They are very beefy but usually straight. So are the Pakistani forends and handguards which are made of Turkish walnut. It's absolutely lovely wood but a lot of work to fit.

Ill check for markings Brian... I'm sure its beech.

Here's a couple of quick phone pics with the new forend fitted, colour matched and oiled, certainly looks like beech to me

The fish scales sure look like Beech to me also. Nice color job, for sure.

Cheers Jim, just have to implement Peters suggested fix for the front band issue and get her onto the range for zeroing.

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Originally Posted by mrclark303

Cheers Jim, just have to implement Peters suggested fix for the front band issue and get her onto the range for zeroing.

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I have several complete sets on No4 woodwork (including the metal work).They are pretty much colour matched sets and all have the "L" length butt (to suit the 'modern man')

Happy to do a deal if interested (It looks like you'll find more use for them than I will.

The L butt seems to fit the short modern man only, they are usually about two finger widths too short for the average to tall modern man.

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Originally Posted by Alan de Enfield

I have several complete sets on No4 woodwork (including the metal work).They are pretty much colour matched sets and all have the "L" length butt (to suit the 'modern man')

Happy to do a deal if interested (It looks like you'll find more use for them than I will.

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Many thanks for your kind offer Alan. I've probably got more than enough spares in my gun room now however, (way more, my wife would say)!

I would suggest the sales area here though, always demand for good quality Enfield woodwork.

By the way, there is a small M136 marking in front of the mag well on the new forend, is that a Wartime factory code?

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Originally Posted by Daan Kemp

The L butt seems to fit the short modern man only, they are usually about two finger widths too short for the average to tall modern man.

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But a much better 'fit' than a "N" or an "S".
Unless you fit a butt-pad the "L" is about the best you'll get.
I have found that my shooting style has adapted to be able to work reasonably well with "L" Butts.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by mrclark303

By the way, there is a small M136 marking in front of the mag well on the new forend, is that a Wartime factory code?

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Yes - it is the wartime code for one of the Woodworking companies in the Midlands (but I don't know who 136 was)