No4 Mark II loose rear handguard

[stillhere]

Thanks for the reply, Patrick. The rear guard does actually move fore and aft with the front guard not moving. I've added a picture of the joint between the forward and rear guards. The forward end of the rear guard does the same thing: gap, then no gap, as the guard is slid forward and rearward. I don't see anything about the forward hand guard that seems out of place. The middle barrel band moves a lot but the screw is tight. It's doubtful that there has been any Bubba because every screw on the rifle is pristine, with the Suncorite finish 100% intact. By the way, this one dates from '52 and appears virtually new, although it has been fired.
Tell me more about your shimming solution. Are you saying to remove the middle barrel band and shim that, just not too tightly? If, like you say, it's cosmetic, maybe I'll just live with it and chalk it up as a British quirk. I really don't want to mess the bedding up, or the screws for that matter. Appreciate your input.
ps. the rifle is temporarily coated with pure Tung oil/turpentine; wood is very dry.

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[Patrick Chadwick]

Are you saying to remove the middle barrel band and shim that, just not too tightly?

No, just use Pattex, Thixofix, or whatever your local flavor of impact adhesive is called, to glue a slither of cork about 1/16" wide onto the front edge of the rear handguard (where it will not be visible, being covered by the band) as a simple spacer between rear and front handguards. No effect on bedding whatsoever. Use a "Pattex" type adhesive because it takes well on cork, is not brittle, and can be peeled off if necessary at a later date.

---------- Post added at 11:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:24 PM ----------

Replacement necessary!

Nice solution if you have the the bits Peter, sitting (as I imagine) on a small mountain of Enfield spares. But those of us out in the desert (as far as Enfield parts are concerned) have to be inventive. My adjustment/fudge (call it what you will) is a doddle. And will work until such time as a properly fitting replacement is available. Of course the thing will still look a bit odd, and I really, really wonder if it is the original handguard...