cracked handguards on Enforcers - a "common" problem?

[spinecracker]

I got into a discussion with an individual the other day and, in his wisdom, he said that cracked hand guards are a common complaint with Enforcers. I do not know where this person got his information from, but is he right?

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[Thunderbox]

I got into a discussion with an individual the other day and, in his wisdom, he said that cracked hand guards are a common complaint with Enforcers. I do not know where this person got his information from, but is he right?

Sounds like rowlocks...

1. How many people see or own enough Enforcers to assess a "common complaint"?

2. Enforcer handguard = L39A1 handguard. Seen about 50+ L39s so far, not noticed any problems with cracking.

[spinecracker]

That is what I thought, but it is nice to have confirmation that I can tell the guy to shove his comment where the sun don't shine without any remorse lol.

Is the handguard exactly the same as on an L39A1? Any idea how often they show up for sale? The person in question is obviously in need of one (hence his comment regarding cracked hand guards) or getting his fixed, depending on the size of the crack.

[limpetmine]

I've read (from the L-42 manual) that the handguard of the L-42 was the same as the No. 8 .22 rifle. Seems very plausible that the L-39/L-42/Enforcer
are the same. I mean, just LOOK at them!

[Peter Laidler]

Hey, hey, hey......., hold your horses lads! The handguards are pretty well notorious for cracking. I only really know about the L39's and 42's and they regularly crack at the front end where the sling loop holds then down. Have at look at a few well used L42's to see that many of them have slip patches across the cracks that might not be obvious now after repairs.

What I have done and sanctioned is this, especially at the muzzle end. There is plenty of gap between the handguard and the barrel and all that's required is .020" with no touching anywhere aong its length. So if its cracket at the muzzle bit then find a suitable bit/length about 2" or so of hard wood, shape it to the inside diameter and glue and cramp it into place. Then slowly and carefully rasp out the barrel groove until you have the .020" clearance. You'll find that you have a good thick portion of hardwood internally supporting the weak bit of the fore-end.

Make good and refit. When I dovetail patched my L42 fore-end at the front for the purposes of photographing it for the forum, I also reinforced the handguard too.

The original thought was to utilise the thousands of No8 handguards for the L42 and 39 project on the grounds of cheapness but in truth, they were a disaster because as they were shortened, they were weakened too.......

[spinecracker]

So no shoving of comments where the sun don't shine...that has ruined my weekend lol. Thanks for the clarification, Peter.

[Alan de Enfield]

When I built my Enforcer clone I purchased a No8 handguard - its a totally different length to an Enforcer handguard.

Ended up buying a 'correct' one from EFD and selling the No8 handguard on ebay.

[spinecracker]

I forgot about EFD. It sounds like it is an easy repair, obviously depending on the extent of the crack.

[spinecracker]

What about Enforcer fore-ends? Are they the same as K39/L42 fore-ends? How much modification would be necessary to convert a No.4 Mk.2 to an Enforcer fore-end, or would it be less fuss to try and locate an enforcer fore-end? Silly questions, but the Enforcer project continues (I may have located a couple of barreled enforcer actions in the US - watch this space...)

[rgg_7]

The forend can be made by cutting a full length beech forend to the correct length and inletting the barrel channel to the Enforcer barrel profile. A lot of work however if you need one this is the most expendient way of footing the bill. Finding an original stock set is as elusive as finding that little safety I'm after. Ron