Production figures for No.5 Rifle

[Peter Laidler]

The two patterns of metal forend caps had no bearing on the rifles, makers or years. You got whatever type came through the system. Like bayonet grips...... one hole or two, you got what you got! The part numbers were all the same. The metal ends were really nothing more than a PITA because once the water got under the metal - which it would inevitably after 10 minutes on a good day - or 5 minutes during the monsoon season - there was absolutely no way of drying them out, not even leave them nose down in the linseed tank, so they'd rust out and rot the wood. The only 'cure' was to drill out the rivet (was it brass as I recall.....), throw the cap away, plug the rivet hole, make good and round off. Total waste of time. Same as the rifle body and barrel too. Unless it was slathered on grease it'd come back a year later rusted solid

[GeeRam]

Hmmmm........worth bearing in mind then, and remember to leave the No.5 at home if shooting on a soggy day then.

[Peter Laidler]

Nothing to fear in the UK Gram. It's not quite the same as the Far East where nothing ever dries and if you're near the coast, it's salt laden too.

[aussiedave]

Just dug one of my No5's out of the safe 10/46 X9950 . Close to the one in the photo. It has metal fore end caps as well.

Cheers
Dave

[GeeRam]

Nothing to fear in the UK Gram. It's not quite the same as the Far East where nothing ever dries and if you're near the coast, it's salt laden too.

Aah OK.

My only 2nd hand knowledge of the No.5 comes from my late father and two uncles who all carried No.5's for their respective 12 month tour of duty in Palestine in 1946/7, where this damp/water issue wasn't a consideration.
Dad loved his No.5, which is why I had to have one once I was granted a FAC. Shame he's not still around to be able to let him have a go with it again.