+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 2 of 2

Thread: Help with badly broken draws

Click here to increase the font size Click here to reduce the font size

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    Legacy Member scientificjdog's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Last On
    04-10-2020 @ 09:24 PM
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    1
    Local Date
    05-09-2025
    Local Time
    10:31 PM

    Help with badly broken draws

    I inherited an SMLE Mk III recently and I think it'd be nice to get it in working order. However, the draws have completely broken off of the fore-end. I've tried looking around for other similar issues but I haven't found any rifles with the draws entirely separated. I noticed the butt stock bolt is not protruding out at all either so maybe someone cracked it that way and shortened the bolt to hide their shame. I'll attach pictures at the bottom.

    I'm new to woodworking but its something I'd love to learn, especially with all the COVID-19 free time. Should I clean up the broken end and glue a new piece of wood in? What kind of glue should I use? I can take plenty of measurements to get the fitment pretty close. Does it need another brass screw? This one isn't biting anymore on one side.

    Lastly, if my stock bolt hypothesis isn't true, do you guys have any clue what caused the break in the first place?

    I appreciate the help! I'm new here, and to guns in general, so apologies if I've made any mistakes.
    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.

  2. #2
    Advisory Panel Son's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Last On
    01-18-2025 @ 07:22 PM
    Location
    On the right side of Australia, below the middle and a little bit in from the edge.
    Posts
    1,239
    Local Date
    05-10-2025
    Local Time
    01:31 PM
    If the metal piece in your hand with the other broken bits is original to the rifle, then the “stock bolt” didnt have anything to do with it.
    What happens, looking at the picture of the upside down action, is the draws get loose. The recoil is passed from the receiver to the foreend rearward through the two small lugs either side of the sear pivot. These contact with the end of the two pieces of wood that have come out, back to the butt socket. If soaked with oil over many decades the wood has softened and been compressed at the point of contact, becoming loose and allowing the foreend to move forwards - backwards along the rifle. The only thing holding it is the collar under the front trigger guard screw. The foreend keeps moving and the stationary collar splits the foreend lengthways, spreading the rear further and allowing the bits to break free.
    I can see the crack full length. It is going to take some good work to save your foreend.
    I would suggest you have a read of the writing by Peter Laidlericon on the subject of repairing the draws. You will find them in the knowledge articles listed above the message board.
    Ask questions, post pics, many here all to willing to help.

  3. The Following 2 Members Say Thank You to Son For This Useful Post:


  4. Avoid Ads - Become a Contributing Member - Click HERE
+ Reply to Thread

Similar Threads

  1. No4 draws angle.
    By ssj in forum The Lee Enfield Knowledge Library Collectors Forum
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 08-21-2017, 09:53 PM
  2. Are these draws OK??
    By WarPig1976 in forum The Lee Enfield Knowledge Library Collectors Forum
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 03-09-2014, 09:18 AM
  3. Very nice M1903A4 for sale - badly described
    By Promo in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 03-17-2013, 04:24 PM
  4. Srs Help Needed Badly!
    By Alvin Linden in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 03-22-2009, 12:55 AM
  5. badly rusted bores?
    By Merle in forum Ammunition and Reloading for Old Milsurps
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 06-09-2008, 11:10 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts