Reproduction stocks & handguards

[Surpmil]

I've been discussing having some reproduction stocks and handguards made up by a firm that from my research has the best technology for measuring and reproducing exact copies, without damaging the original pieces used as patterns.

I have some ideas of my own of course, but I'm curious to know what members here consider the most needed or desirable items of woodwork that could be reproduced?

Any comments would be welcome.

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[Amatikulu]

Here in the USA, MLE and SMLE 1 stocks are in demand.

[superbee]

would love to get a LEC carbine stock set

[Surpmil]

would love to get a LEC carbine stock set

That one was close to the top of my list too. The nosecaps would have to be done as well. Not sure about the band(?)

[Bruce_in_Oz]

The problem seems to be cost.

Here in Oz I was quoted, for 500 reproduction SMLE front handguards, $26.00 ex factory per unit , BARE. Add to that the supply of metal fittings and it gets downright scary at a retail level. And that was with me supplying drawings and specifcations.

I know that the price break at 5,000 would be a lot better, but I do not have that kind of cash and my garden shed is quite small and fairly full.

The other problem is one of perception. Many people barely flinch when coughing up $700+ for a custom stock job on a sporter. We "collector" types have been living in a world of "throwaway prices" for decades. It has to end eventually.

Recently I was party to producing a 500 run of Martini Cadet trigger screws. After all was taken into account, these ended up retailing at over $12.00(Oz) each. So take a wild a guess what a Lee Enfield bolt or a Martini breech block would cost on that basis!!

[Surpmil]

Bruce, your point is well taken. As someone said to me there is the perception that if the sporterized rifle cost $200. say, the parts to restore it should only cost $100.!

However, due to the advances in technology, I'm told cost is going to be much lower than previous methods.

The metal springs/reinforcements etc. are much more problematic than the woodwork as you know, which is why we'll avoid those types at first, as far as possible.

[Enfieldlock]

The metal springs for the rear handguards and caps for the front handguards have already been produced in quantity in UK. They are only supplied to the trade.

[Enfieldlock]

We have been making new fore-ends and top wood for the SMLE Mark I, III and V for over three years now. Initially it was to keep us in business, as the supply of these items was non-existent.

We have been selling them quite successfully for over two years now.

The cost of the first batch was horrendous.

We have on a few occasions had comments on the prices we charge, but I believe that reflects the naivety of certain individuals regarding the reality of producing such items in modest numbers. One such comment was, "I bet it does not cost you that to produce them". You bet it didn't, no business would remain viable without making a profit to re-invest. I did ask for a quotation from another and if he were cheaper I would buy from him. I heard no more.

I will say our prices reflect not only the cost of production but that of developing the item in the first place, it all has to be recovered.

We wish good luck to anyone embarking on an identical process, however do not underestimate the complexity and cost of the processes involved.

[Mk VII]

These costs are a reality, and the reason why manufacturing has shifted to the Far East. Folks just don't want to pay the true cost of making something anymore - not if it's made here at any rate. That why we have the throwaway consumer goods that can't be repaired even if we wanted to.

[Surpmil]

These costs are a reality, and the reason why manufacturing has shifted to the Far East. Folks just don't want to pay the true cost of making something anymore - not if it's made here at any rate. That why we have the throwaway consumer goods that can't be repaired even if we wanted to.

Yes, and IMO the answer as individuals is to gather the quality equipment we want or need, while it still exists in this tranformational period ("decline and fall" as the historians call it). Every day, the supply shrinks.

That of course does nothing for our collective problems, but we can at least enjoy as individuals the pleasure and practicality of the quality products that we used to produce.

There are a few areas where technology and the greed/hunger and unreliability of most parts of "Far East" allows the West to stay competitive. This seems to be one of them.