Wanted: Cadet rifle butt stock and butt plate

[Aragorn243]

I have a cadet rifle that I believe has a shortened butt stock. I haven't been able to find a decent photo which shows the butt plate but as the one I have is plastic, I doubt it's original military. Based on the positioning of the sling screws, I'm guessing it had about 2 inches cut off.

I'd like to get an original configuration butt for it if I can so if anyone knows where I might be able to find one, I'd appreciate some help.

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[TheDoubleD]

I can probably help you if you tell me what rifle you have. Are we talking about a BSA full stock military .310 cadet or a small .22 cal. target Martini?

[Aragorn243]

It's a full stock BSA 310 Cadet. Has 32-20 markings but that shouldn't affect the stock at all as the metal is all original.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

You have done well. Usually the front end is butchered and the "spare' bits chucked away.

Butts can be found. I have one spare, but it has been "customised".

The sad part about the common conversion to .32-20 is that if it is one where the original barrel has been reamed out, it will probably shoot abysmally with factory ammo. The .311 bullets of a .32-20 are a "racing fit" in the .310 bore / .318 groove barrel. Cast lead, especially with a hollow base may work better. The original .310 Cadet bullet is a soft lead, heeled type that performs very well in a good barrel. I still have a few hundred of the old "Super" brand projectiles in the cupboard, not perfect, but a lifetime's supply for me. I think there is a bloke in Sydney who makes a mould for the correct bullet.

[Aragorn243]

I had a butchered front stock but knowing that, I was fortunate enough to find someone who had a good one that I could get. At the time, I had thought the butt stock was OK but recently while looking at some photos online, I'm not thinking that anymore.

I was under the impression that the 32-20 conversions were not converted at all, just stamped so the ammo would be used in the rifle. Not something I personally "know" just something I read somewhere a long time ago shortly after I purchased the rifle. That while the 32-20 bullet was a bit smaller, the cartridge fit the chamber without modification.

[TheDoubleD]

I found one! But it's the type I'd give you to if you were missing one. It's pretty rough and has no butt plate.

[Aragorn243]

Figure I ought to close this out.

I completed a transaction for a complete stock set and was fortunate that the stock markings match my rifle markings. Both are Western Australia.

[TheDoubleD]

Great, glad to hear this, hope we were able to help!

[Aragorn243]

Yes, your references got me to the people that had the stuff. Thanks.

[jamie5070]

I have a cadet with the 32-20 stamped on it and it has been rechambered. I picked up some new 32-20 cases and shortened them so that with a correct heeled bullet installed, the bullet is just shy of the rifleing.
The sizing die from LEE sizes the neck enough so that the bullets are a snug press fit.
Buffalo Arms sells correct bullets and molds the last time I checked.
They e fun to shoot. Had a PH-7A sight instaled on mine. (Eyes are starting to get old.
john