Loose buttstock on wire-wrap SMLE

[tatou]

Hey all,

I have a 1949 GRI No1 Mk3* that's wire wrapped. It's developed a loose buttstock - I can twist it from side to side - and I'd like to tighten it...I can see the screw in the trapdoor, but everything I've read suggests to remove the forend before tightening it.

Is it safe to tighten on a wire wrap without removing the forend, since I don't think I can remove the forend in this case?

Cheers

While it is true that you normally ALWAYS remove the fore end before tightening or removing the butt stock screw, the fact that you have an 1949 Ishapore MIGHT be the exception.
Ishapore did away with that problem in the 1930's (if my memory is right) and introduce the back reinforcing strap instead of the bolt stock keeper plate.
IF you have that ''strap'' at the back of your fore end it means you also have the shorter butt stock bolt.
Attachment 112326

Ishapore is well known for recycling and reusing their older stocks so i would strongly suggest you post a picture of your rifle with the same area i just showed you and have guys visually confirm this to you before you attempt anything.