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  1. #1
    Legacy Member dek's Avatar
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    SMLE No1 Mk III Forend

    Help. I have a sporterized SMLE that I wish to return to military. I bought a stock set from GunParts and noticed that the rear of the forend is different. I've attached pictures of the original and the replacement forends. You'll notice the area where I was going to cut in order to fit the stock screw but decided I should ask first before cutting. Why the variation in the forends? Do I have other than an SMLE No 1 Mk III forend? If so, what type? This wouldn't be the first time that I've received the wrong parts from GunParts. I guess I should also add, are the rest of the stock parts, ie. butt stock, rear upper hand guard and front upper handguard useable on any model of the Enfield with the exception of the jungle carbine? Your assistance is appreciated. Thank you, Dennis
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    Last edited by dek; 10-12-2008 at 08:24 AM.

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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

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    Dek, what website did you get that from? Was it e-gunparts? Im looking to restore mine too and the fore end is one of the last parts I need. So I want to make sure I don't order a dud. That fore end just looks huge compared to the original :S

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    You know, I've never taken my No. I apart to check, but something tells me you might be needing a forend for a Lee Enfield No. I Mk. III*, and received a forend for a Lee Enfield No. 4.

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    You got a post-war Indian forestock. It will fit, but is not period correct. India switched to that tie-plate in the 50's.
    Союз нерушимый республик свободных Сплотила навеки Великая Русь. Да здравствует созданный волей народов Единый, могучий Советский Союз!

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    Thanks for the reply and information. I'll try to return the parts and call Springfield Sporters. Any other sources for stock parts? Dennis

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    Numrich gun parts?

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    Legacy Member dek's Avatar
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    Numerich is GunParts. That's where I got this replacement forend stock. Thanks, Dennis

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    Springfield Sporters, BDLicon Ltd might have something but I don't see any listed.

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    It is difficult to find the right forend, without the tie-plate. (I think Claven could testify for this). I've used only the Indian post-war forends for my projects (mind you, if I find a correct one, I sure will grab it). I think that even with the somewhat incorect forend, it's better than with a sporterized one

    I wonder how much work would be involved in turning a "tie-plate" one into the earlier type. Might jusdt try that some day.

    Lou

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    Personally, I'd go ahead and use the forend. Don't modify anything at the tie plate are of the stock. I had the same problem recently myself.

    I ordered a No4 buttstock bolt and spring from Springfield Sporters and fitted these. The bolt thread is the same as the old SMLE's. It will allow your Indian made forearm to slide right into place with the buttstock attached. Actually a bit of an improvement over the old SMLE as far as ease of stock fitting is concerned and has no detrimental effect on accuracy.

    Give it a try and be happy.

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