Reproduction SMLE stock

[englishman_ca]

There are people out there making reproduction stocks. However, some buyers think that they should be available at surplus stock prices.

Making a military stock can take the same amount of time or usually, even more time than making a custom stock for a hunting rifle. A chunk of decent black walnut doesn't just fall off trees (er, maybe it does?), or come cheap.
I was just on line looking at exotic wooden stock blanks. Some were over $1000us just for a blank of wood.

You gets what you pay for, and often pays for what you get.

Many of the 'semi finished' 95% inletted reproduction stocks still need many hours to fit and finish. If you want something perfect and a drop in fit (no such thing with an Enfield), you will pay the premium.

Stock makers won't find working for $2 an hour viable.

Ok, sorry, rant over.

Anyhoo, what would be good is for a commercial stock maker with a multi-spindle three axis computer controlled machine to bang some out. The code for the program would take a bit to produce, but once done, stocks could be produced by the truckload. Sell them world wide.

Just as some people have done the footwork to produce nose caps and other hard to find components on CNC machinery, we need a computer geek to produce a 3d model file of the stocks.

The technology and equipment is out there, just needs somebody to step up and invest time and effort. It could be a winner!

Lee Enfield stocks.
Ross Rifle stocks.
Mauser stocks..............

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[browningautorifle]

stocks could be produced by the truckload. Sell them world wide.

And sell they would. We have a member producing Ross wood on a limited basis, I'm sure he has other employment. I'd love to be able to get NEW wood for a rebuild at reasonable cost...

[Colonel Enfield]

There are people out there making reproduction stocks. However, some buyers think that they should be available at surplus stock prices.

Not an entirely unreasonable view, IMHO. Obviously they're not going to be super-cheap, but when they cost almost as much as a brand-new rifle there's a point where you can understand why people don't want to pay that. I'd be interested to know the feasibility of using synthetic material for a full SMLE stock too - that might be more affordable that working with wood?

[tatou]

Anyhoo, what would be good is for a commercial stock maker with a multi-spindle three axis computer controlled machine to bang some out. The code for the program would take a bit to produce, but once done, stocks could be produced by the truckload. Sell them world wide.

Boyds gunstock in the USA already produce sporter stock for the Lee Enfield and also full military stock for the Pattern 1914. I'm guessing adjusting their program for a full length Lee Enfield forend would not be too difficult for them since they already have the rear inletting portion figured out. I tried sending a request on their ''request form'' but if not enough people ask for them it might be futile.
Like you said... a lot of people want them at 1990 prices.... not gonna happen.

[browningautorifle]

a lot of people want them at 1990 prices

New made wood wouldn't be cheap.

[Bindi2]

Just like they want to buy rifles at immediate post war prices in factory new condition. Yeah right, lithgows in Australia are approaching $1,000 the snipers $6,500 +, XPs $10,000+ get used to the increases.

[Colonel Enfield]

Just like they want to buy rifles at immediate post war prices in factory new condition. Yeah right, lithgows in Australia are approaching $1,000 the snipers $6,500 +, XPs $10,000+ get used to the increases.

The immediate post-war factory price was about AUD$500 in modern currency as I understand it; considering how many million SMLEs were made I don't think it's entirely unreasonable thinking that should be about the going rate an average condition SMLE rifle today. Sure, $1000 for an all-matching, 9/10 bore with beautiful wood is understandable, but seeing rifles which are not in great shape being offered at that price annoys me and also makes it hard for new people to get into Service Rifle shooting.

Sure, you can get rifles for less if you ask around, get lucky, or know someone who can sell you a rifle they're prepared to part with at a sensible price, but a lot of new shooters don't have those connections or that luxury, unfortunately.