MK3 Butt slides

[Kev G]

Starting a new thread on this as this was getting off topic in another thread

There are 3 types of MK3 sliding butt groups all bear the same drawing number MG 3772,but have different vocab listing numbers.
The original MK3 butt slide is BH 0566
This was superceded by the MK3/1 butt slide C1/CA 0853
Then the the MK3/2 MG 3772

The 1959 L4A1 IPL only lists the MK3/2
The 1959 L4A2 IPL lists all 3 types but notes the MK3/2 is current and all other MK's are obsolecent.
The 1963 L4A4 IPL shows the same as the above L4A2 IPL.

The REME CENTRAL INSPECTORATE (Inspection Standards) for 303 MK's 1,2,2/1 &3 note - Slides butt MK 3/1 and 3/2 differ only from the MK3 in that they are of a strengthened pattern.

LoC's introduce (for what they are worth) the MK3/1 in 1948 (C 3564)
And the MK3/2 in 1949 (c 3815)
In 1952 the MK3/2 butt slide was given an extension for use in MKI,2 & 2/1 Brens (c 4830)

The last dated unissued Donington primary packed butt slide I have seen is NSN 961-7933 (Dec 1970) this is the 'strengthened pattern' and this does not have 'lightened' rails.

ATB Kevin

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Peter Laidler]

The Mk3/2 is a casting. Cheaper to produce. Quite whether it is 'stronger' is a bit of a mystery really because they are all pretty weak when they're out of the gun. They bend down the arms (forwards of the trigger guard, aside the ejection opening) quite easily. It's this part that is visually lightened in he Mk3/L4 series although I notice that most of the L4A3's and 5's (converted Mk2 guns) have the standard Mk2 butt slides fitted. Presumably to prevent wasting their matching butt slides.

[Kev G]

Interesting to learn that the MK3/2 is a casting,thanks for the info Peter.

ATB Kevin

[Peter Laidler]

On the subject of butt slides, here's a poser for you fiends with ex Indian guns........... In the Indian EMER which is pretty well a direct copy of ours, when detailing repairs to the butt slide at Field workshops, it states that a method of repairing stripped threaded/distorted or plain worn out thread block for the zillion TPI SCREW, Pistol Grip Mk1 and 3 (the larger diameter hollow or solid type found on the Mk1 and 4 guns.....) can be restored by brazing a machined insert into its original damaged opening. The insert is drilled and threaded to the 3/8" BSF (?) thread of the Mk2 pistol grip bolt. All you have to do now is to use a Mk2 pistol grip bolt, pistol grip and its repaired! It also states that further repairs can be effected if necessary by patching the original Mk1 pistol grip and using it with the narrower Mk2 bolt. I presume they mean insert and glue in place a drilled dowel to reduce the hole diameter .

I've seen a few of the oversize trigger/sear/change lever holes bushed but never a repaired pistol grip screw thread re-bushed. Anyone out there in Forum land got one?

[WallyG.]

My Indian slides do not have this repair... but I have a damaged Inglis one that could benefit from its application... Anybody want to give it a go?

[Peter Laidler]

It would be worth doing just to get the photos of the application, but alas, it's too far away. But at least you know that there is an answer. The Indians didn't throw much away if they could repair it. Let us all know how you get on Wally........

[WallyG.]

I'd hapily get it to you but the UK customs folks might take exception to it... so I'm told. It would be quite the collectible for me to have - coming from your work bench! Thanks for the well wishes... I'll hang onto it until I can find a proper person to make the repair.