Replacing a Charger Bridge no1 Mk3

[xa-coupe]

I have seen a No1 Mk3* that has had the charger bridge removed for some reason. If it possible to get these as a separate item and what sort of job is it to replace?
It's a 22RF conversion if that means anything.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[jmoore]

Holes won't likely line up if you find one.

There was a thread or posts concerning this subject roughly around December (?) last.

I'd look but theres been over 400 posts since I last was last on site! (Friday)

[xa-coupe]

I'll look for it. I looked previously but couldn't find it.. have to look again.

[Peter Laidler]

The bridge was never offered as a spare part and the rivet holes won't line up in any case although more by accident than design one or two might. If I was you and as it's a .22" I'd sweat the replacement in place. It is a large surface area and in my opinion, soft solder will be adequate

[xa-coupe]

Thanks Peter, I found the thread finally and saw your thoughts on it.
I haven't purchased it and to be honest, I have no idea what a slightly bubba-ed no1 trainer is worth to even think of making an offer.

[Bearclaw]

Jeff, there is plenty of receivers around, how about replacing the receiver.

[xa-coupe]

It's not a bad idea Myles but I expect that if I ask a price it will be fiscally irresponsible to do this. In other words, I would be better off buying a complete one.
I think I will just drop the idea for the moment... unless it turns out to be cheap !

[Bruce_in_Oz]

SMLE tolerances are not as bad as some might think.

According to my information. the total tolerance on spacing distance between the holes in each pairs of rivet holes is quite small. When I dig out the file I will post the dimensions and tolerances for tha receiver and bridge holes.

Note that there are two different rivets involved.

The trickiest part would be setting up a suitable jig that would allow the rivets to be peened into place and prevent damage to the receiver in the process.

The fact that very large numbers of L E rifles were upgraded to SMLE configuration, including the attachment of a bridge. Not for the faint-hearted, but not impossible.

There should be a few charger bridges floating around from all the SMLEs that have been cut up by gunsmiths and dealers in Australia in the last fifteen years or so.

Rivets can be easily turned up on a basic lathe. Soft-solder would certainly help if you are planning to get a bit rough with the old girl.

[jmoore]

As probably stated in the old thread, I think that you could easily enlarge or at least ream through somewhat mismatched holes and use custom diametered mild steel rivets to place the new bridge on the body. Bucking bar(s) ought not be a problem- they don't have to be fancy or even store bought.

Do you have the title of the old thread? A link might be useful- I'll do it if you give me a clue.

Oh, and a gratutious repeat of an old photo:



Could measure this one if it can be found again- but no surity that it isn't a bit bent!

---------- Post added at 01:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:53 AM ----------

Since it's a .22" rf, you're not apt to have any structural or placement worries.

[xa-coupe]

I believe this is the original thread:
Odds of finding an MK3 charger bridge?

thanks for all your input !