Oversized SMLE Stock

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11-23-2021, 08:28 AM
BVZ24

Oversized SMLE Stock

I am restoring 2 SMLE. I recently received what appears to be a NOS or SMLE forestock in excellent condition. I believe it is walnut. It has drop-in fit on either rifle. It is clearly oversized, and most evident on the nose cap. The stock has the cut out for the cut-off. When was this stock made, and who made it?
I have a theory that it's Australian, but can't find the stamps to prove it.

I'd also like thoughts on which rifle is more worth restoring with this forestock.
Enfield 1917
Bluing 90%
No import marks, no marks showing sold out of service.
Sporterized, all existing parts match.
Evidence of 1920 repair and reblued.
Lithgow 1941
Parkerized, 95%
Importer stamp on right of reciever.
Non matching polished bolt.
50's rebuild.

---------- Post added at 08:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:27 AM ----------

Pictures as soon as I figure out how to post them
11-23-2021, 09:04 AM
BVZ24

https://pasteboard.co/j42NtaNclvzc.jpg
https://pasteboard.co/sveldxI3QFZe.jpg
https://pasteboard.co/WMqmOABMkSc0.jpg
11-23-2021, 11:06 AM
CINDERS

3 Attachment(s)

I think you should find that they are not really a drop in fit as it should take a bit of effort to have the lower wood snug up to the draws as when you take a correctly fitted bottom wood off you find that you have to tap the rear either side to work it off.
Never ever pull the bottom wood from the muzzle end to remove it as you'll faff it quicker that a match to petrol, most in the white stocks (NOS unfitted) require the armourer to fit the draws correctly and then judiciously sand the outside areas of the stock down so its fits nicely.

Here are some pics of my 1921 Lithgow which has had new fore woods fitted at some point but never finished off by the armourer as you can still see the rough finish on them in the close ups.
11-23-2021, 11:13 AM
browningautorifle

Quote:

Originally Posted by BVZ24

I have a theory that it's Australian

If the stock is what you pictured, it has the Enfield stamping, not Australian.
11-23-2021, 01:29 PM
BVZ24

It fits as tight as the sportered nub did before. I haven't had a chance to check the recoil lug, but I'm familiar with building those up with blocking.
The replacement stock is finished, and the colors match the buttstock that is original to the rifle. The reason I say NOS is that it appears to have never been sanded after its first finish.
Is it normal for a stock to be finished and fitted this much oversized, or was it supposed to get another sanding before it was oiled?