Few problems with my old Enfield

[fredrick319]

Hello, I have this 1923 BSA Lee Enfield here, I've shot it eight times and decided to stop until everything is cleared up/fixed with what I believe to be some issues. This is my favorite rifle and any help would be very much appreciated!

Problem 1 is the handguard (rear) It just is so loose when I shot the rifle it almost came off! I'm not sure if it's the clip that is holding the guard or the guard it self, or both, but here are pictures of where I am talking about. The clip holding it is the only rusted part of the rifle too.





The second part is the wrist of the rifle. I know this gap is a bad thing, and when I shot the rifle it almost seemed to get a little bigger but maybe I'm just being paranoid.. If there's a reproduction stock set somewhere for No. 1 Mk. III's I would gladly purchase it.





Also right next to the part of the Trigger system that catches the bolt and cocks the rifle there are two stumps of wood I'm assuming are there to absorb recoil, well one of them is chipped off and I wonder if that's something I should worry about? Thank you.


This top one is how it should be, the bottom is chipped..

Information

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[30Three]

Fitting a reproduction fore end would be more work than repairing the original.
I think you need to strip the fore end off the rifle and inspect the draws; the area where the recoil is transfered to the wood.
The wrist gap can be reduced by repairing the draws which will tighten up the fit. Check the the barrel sits centered in the channel after.
There is plenty of good info available so read up what the professionals have written before starting work.
There is so much that goes in to fitting the fore end properly, it is really important to study before attempting it. But it can be done!

[fredrick319]

Okay sounds good, thanks, I love this rifle it's the jewel of my collection thank you for the advice!

[Peter Laidler]

In short, your fore-end is in dire need of repair or replacement. As does the rear handguard. From the way that you've posed the question I don't really think that this is a job for an amateur tinkerer. I'd speak to Brian at BDL Ltd in SC.

[fredrick319]

Yeah I know, I wasn't planning on attempting to fix it my self, I'm going to have somebody do for me, thank you for the recommendation. The rifle is properly headspaced, and the receiver/barrel are in great condition. So all that needs work is the stock.