Cracked draws - can someone remind me?

[RobD]

Hi
My Lithgow No1 MkIII* HT has the usual Australian coachwood fore-end and the little steel recoil plate, which transmits the force to the front face of the butt socket. It also has L shaped copper plates on the bearing serfaces of the draws, secured by horizontal steel screws. The draws are in good condition, and bearing symmetrically. The fore-end fits well, the bedding is good, and the rifle groups very well. So far, so good.
Now, there is a fine vertical crack on either side of the metal recoil plate, and the plate and the wood in front of it (and on either side of it) has shifted back a fraction. Thus the two blocks of wood which comprise the draws have slid back slightly (the thickness of a playing-card or less) with respect to the fore-end.
I want to stabilise this area so the fore-end doesn't break up. Can someone direct me to the excellent posts and pictures which deal with woodwork repairs to the draws area? The "search" facility on the forum is beyong my wit.
thanks
Rob

Information

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[Badger]

Using the Google CSE (Custom Search Engine) located in the top right corner of the site (see white rectangular box), I found the following references searching for the phrase "cracked Lithgow", which should get you off to a good start ...

Lithgow SMLE ... Causes of Cracked Foreends

Repairing a Split Stock on a Lithgow SMLE

Regards,
Doug

[Peter Laidler]

I have to say that I don't know a lot about the why's and wherefores of these copper blocks except having seen them in Oz and on a couple of Lithgows in UK service here. I always had and still have views about short wood screws being screwed into the grain lengthways...... You'd never get away with it in the cabinet making trade!

While I can't picture whats happening in your No1, if I was you I'd just forget the copper draws and patch it up with some hardwood (oak would be my choice) as shown somwehere else on this forum with the grain following the angle of the draws. That'd be the end of it.

Screws and copper plates.......... yes......... Every one I ever saw had stripped threads especially when the wood got a bit oily!

[Brian Dick]

And when the coachwood gets good and oily, be prepared for it to fall apart if you don't keep the guard screws tight. Sometimes even when the guard screws are tight. I've had it happen to a few of them over the years right on the range while firing.