No4 Mk1 Forend fix?

Hi all,
I've just bought a used No4 Mk1 wood set. A quick wipe down with acetone to remove some of the awful varnish has revealed that the forend has been made from a cut-down sporter stock and a front end. The join was concealed under stain and varnish. My question for the forum is, would this have been a fix acceptable to armourers? Is it even safe to use on a functioning rifle? The seller does not seem to have known about the join, and I'm trying to determine if I can use the set, or if I should try for a refund.
Suggestions?

No armorer would do that. You've been had unless it was sold "As is", which means they knew. I'd have a hard time believing they didn't. Get a refund.

Thanks Jim, as I suspected.
Regards,
Burton

"...fix acceptable to armourers..." Nope. The techies would just change the stock. Easier thing to do when you have bins of 'em vs searching the world.
I don't think you'll get the right amount of pressure with that for accuracy. Try it. It won't be unsafe to shoot though.
Fortunately, being in Calgary helps. Epp's in Orillia, Ontario has forestocks at $119.99. They say they're dirty and greasy, dinged and scratched, walnut, but in "good condition". Dinged and scratched isn't a big deal.
Firearm Parts - Hunting

Thanks for the link Sunray, will give em a try. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BurtonP

Hi all,
I've just bought a used No4 Mk1 wood set. A quick wipe down with acetone to remove some of the awful varnish has revealed that the forend has been made from a cut-down sporter stock and a front end. The join was concealed under stain and varnish. My question for the forum is, would this have been a fix acceptable to armourers? Is it even safe to use on a functioning rifle? The seller does not seem to have known about the join, and I'm trying to determine if I can use the set, or if I should try for a refund.
Suggestions?

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Has that join been overlapped or is it just a butt joint? I can't really tell from the photos what type of join has been used but I was curious.

Just a butt join. Not the work of someone who was concerned about proper up pressure at the end of the barrel.

I've learned that this is known as a duffel cut. So returning US troops could fit their souvenir into their duffel bag. Interesting. The different wood and dates would rule that out though, so I guess it's just a fixed sporter.

Badger did a post on how to do a "duffle cut" repair:

http://www.milsurps.com/content.php?...98k-duffle-cut

Another member actually posted a video, but I can't seem to locate it. If the join has been made properly (doweled, not just butt glued), strength shouldn't be an issue.

If I keep it I think I'll attempt a dowel join. Thanks.

hi i have done this on 2 smles and 2 martinis

Mark Novak at "Anvil" shows how to "undo' a duffle cut properly.

Anvil 009: Duffle Shuffle - YouTube

Repair the old one or do a PROPER fitting of "new" / replacement fore-end. Shooter or "safe-queen"; decisions, decisions!