Another No.5 project for consideration.

[jangle]

Hello,

A little out of my area here but I'm acquiring a 1946 No.5 Mk1, that has lost the top handguard. I've read through a few threads concerning similar issues, but most refer to the lower stock being sporterized.
This rifle just needs the top handguard, retainer ring and barrel band/swivel. I've read where a No.4 rear/top handguard can be modified to work. Is this correct? Also, can a No.4 barrel band be used?

Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond!

[smle addict]

A no 4 handguard could be made to work, depending on your woodworking skills (lap-joint?). Prestigious Wood in Canada make a reproduction No5 handguard for $58. A stamped No 4 barrel band will work as well. When you do order a retainer ring, make sure it is not a retainer for the P14/P17. Those are slightly larger and will sit proud of the forend.

[BVZ24]

You have to remove the flash hider to install the retaining ring.
I did a similar restoration and cut the bottom of the ring to bend it over the barrel. It worked well enough as a temporary part until I found an intact flash hider and felt like replacing it.

[jangle]

Thank you gentlemen for your guidance on this project.

[Peter Laidler]

The last issue woodwork for the No5 rifles in the Far East, Malaya etc was all converted No4 rifle production. Handguards can be shortened and the band recess is easily replicated to accept the slightly differently shaped No4 rifle band. Fiore-ends were also No4 production with a small patch inserted into the front opening when cut to No5 length. Butts were similarly modified and the only tell-tale signs were the patch where the lower sling swivel sat and the butt plate wasretained by two sling loop screws from the top and bottom. This was a far better answer to the long screw and bolt used earlier.

If we had to replace rusty handguard rings (VERY common.....) we'd snip the new one with a pair of pliers so as to not loose any length, fit band and braze the nipped ends together. Never failed and an easy fix. Otherwise it was easir to unscrew the barrel than faff about with the flash eliminators.

Been there, done it a thousand times........