SMLE forend issue

[CanadianLanBoy]

Hello all,

Over the past 3 years I have been working on my SMLE No.1 Mk.III* desporterization project, 2 years ago the rifle was complete but improperly fit, over the past 2 years I have been working on getting it properly set up, I am CLOSE.

As you can see in the attached pictures, my SMLE barrel is off center (Not by a lot, but you can see it), and the magazine catch is bearing on the trigger guard. There is no wood to metal contact around the sides of the receiver, or trigger guard, or between the butt socket and forend.

***The magazine catch bears on the trigger guard when fitted in the original, sporterized stock as well***

I am having trouble trying to figure out what is causing this problem, if anyone has any ideas I would be glad to hear them!

I am by no means a gunsmith, this rifle is my first so if I am missing something obvious I apologize.

CanadianLanBoy

Information

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[browningautorifle]

If there's no wood contacting the sides of the trigger guard then it's bearing when you have just the metal assembled, yes? Looking at the barrel channel, it's not so severe...why are you worried?

[CanadianLanBoy]

I appreciate the quick response Jim,

I am a dolt, didn't think of assembling out of the wood... bears the same... should this be remedied with a new guard or is it a non-problem?

About the barrel, I have read the barrel must be perfectly centered to be "Proper". I can put the nosecap on without having to push the barrel in any which way (No up-pressure spring installed), I have read on another forum this suffices.

Once again I appreciate the response, have a good night!

CanadianLanBoy

[browningautorifle]

should this be remedied with a new guard or is it a non-problem

Does it function? Remember the mag is loaded in situ so...minimum mag removal.

About the barrel

Your other thread has a couple answering that have vast experience, I only ask..."Does it shoot like it is?" If so then it's good.