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I have a cadet rifle that I believe has a shortened butt stock. I haven't been able to find a decent photo which shows the butt plate but as the one I have is plastic, I doubt it's original military. Based on the positioning of the sling screws, I'm guessing it had about 2 inches cut off.
I'd like to get an original configuration butt for it if I can so if anyone knows where I might be able to find one, I'd appreciate some help.
I can probably help you if you tell me what rifle you have. Are we talking about a BSA full stock military .310 cadet or a small .22 cal. target Martini?
It's a full stock BSA 310 Cadet. Has 32-20 markings but that shouldn't affect the stock at all as the metal is all original.
You have done well. Usually the front end is butchered and the "spare' bits chucked away.
Butts can be found. I have one spare, but it has been "customised".
The sad part about the common conversion to .32-20 is that if it is one where the original barrel has been reamed out, it will probably shoot abysmally with factory ammo. The .311 bullets of a .32-20 are a "racing fit" in the .310 bore / .318 groove barrel. Cast lead, especially with a hollow base may work better. The original .310 Cadet bullet is a soft lead, heeled type that performs very well in a good barrel. I still have a few hundred of the old "Super" brand projectiles in the cupboard, not perfect, but a lifetime's supply for me. I think there is a bloke in Sydney who makes a mould for the correct bullet.
I had a butchered front stock but knowing that, I was fortunate enough to find someone who had a good one that I could get. At the time, I had thought the butt stock was OK but recently while looking at some photos online, I'm not thinking that anymore.
I was under the impression that the 32-20 conversions were not converted at all, just stamped so the ammo would be used in the rifle. Not something I personally "know" just something I read somewhere a long time ago shortly after I purchased the rifle. That while the 32-20 bullet was a bit smaller, the cartridge fit the chamber without modification.
I found one! But it's the type I'd give you to if you were missing one. It's pretty rough and has no butt plate.
Figure I ought to close this out.
I completed a transaction for a complete stock set and was fortunate that the stock markings match my rifle markings. Both are Western Australia.
Great, glad to hear this, hope we were able to help!
Yes, your references got me to the people that had the stuff. Thanks.
I have a cadet with the 32-20 stamped on it and it has been rechambered. I picked up some new 32-20 cases and shortened them so that with a correct heeled bullet installed, the bullet is just shy of the rifleing.
The sizing die from LEE sizes the neck enough so that the bullets are a snug press fit.
Buffalo Arms sells correct bullets and molds the last time I checked.
They e fun to shoot. Had a PH-7A sight instaled on mine. (Eyes are starting to get old. :)
john