Randune: Sounds like a worthwhile undertaking assuming the barrel is uncut. The M and 7 you see on the left cheek was probably M47 indicating BSA Shirley manufacture. Slightly later it became M47C. The serial would originally have been right there under the 1943. You're on the right forum if you plan to fit a new forend to it- search out everything you can find here on "No. 4 bedding". I think there are also some scanned military armourers instruction manuals in the library which are the best place to learn how they were originally set up. The wooden furniture on these rifles works differently from just about every other system. If you already know how to do it- have fun!

Ridolpho