Can this SMLE Fore-end be repaired?

[Peter Laidler]

The real questions are these. Is it worth repairing and is it economic to? After all, you've already purchased a replacement - so why bother repairing the old one? Are you going to spend money on the old one just to see it wasted as it's sat in a cupboard waiting for the new one to fall to bits in X years.

Reminds me of my friend locally who has a garage full of used but rebuilt MGBGT assemblies..... just in case. A totally rebuilt complete front chassis crossmember, an o/d gearbox PLUS a rebuilt o/d unit, back axle PLUS a couple of crownwheel and pinion variables. Pedal box with new cylinders..... Anyway........

Yep, it could be repaired but to achieve what?

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[Charlie303]

Hi Peter,

You've hit the nail on the head as usual. These questions have occurred to me, as I sat at my desk with the old stock leaning against the wall gathering dust for the last few years.

The new one, a fine piece of beech, by BSA (marked 47C, 1956) is actually nicer wood than the original.

But its the fact that the old one is original, 1942, BSA, numbered...blah, blah, that makes me want to repair it. If it could be fixed, and strongly enough for use, I probably would, and with the few rounds that go down the barrel, it might hopefully outlast its present owner.

So, what are the arguments for repair?
- I don't like something lying around that's broke.
- I think it probably has enough historical significance to warrant repair.

Against?
- Cost. If we're talking hundreds, no, I don't think so.
- Availability of parts - I've looked, but cannot find that funny brass screw that goes through the stock. If I could, I might have tried myself - but I'm not sure I've the skill/experience to effect a usable repair.
- Finding someone who can do it. I know that there's a firm... but they've received some rather bad press lately. No names, no details, but some of my LERA mates have some woeful stories.

Regards,

Charlie