Use of No.4 sling swivels for No.1 MkIII*

[Kiwi]

Peter Laidler has stated many a time that No.4 buttplates, buttstocks and rear sling swivels were utilised in No.1 MkIII* as and when they were sent if for repair if the original No.1 MkIII* part wasn't available. Would the same be true for the middle band sling swivel so a no.4 swivel was utilised if a offset no.1 MkIII* wasn't available? Also, would it be likely that there could be a mixture of sling swivels on one rifle, or would standards dictate that they should be one type or the other, but not both (my thoughts would be if the no.1 MkIII* had a fully functioning offset sling swivel then it would be left well alone)

Finally, was it common to re-tap the No.1 MkIII* middle band to accomodate a no.4 swivel screw if the original No.1 MkIII* swivel screw was unavailable?

This is the last couple of issues I need to clear up before begin the task of restocking some sporterised BSA&Co rifles being a 1939 No.1 MkIII, 1940 No.1 MkIII (FTR 1953), 1942 No.1 MkIII* (that one has a four groove barrel) and a 1944 No.1 MkIII* (FTR1953).

Information

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[5thBatt]

How many swivels & screws do you need?

[Peter Laidler]

Yes...... Tapping the No1 threads to BA was authorised in the EMER's and a list of those it applied to was specified. I don't know whether it applied to the offset sling loops but given that equi-sided loops were available on the No1 rifle, then a No4 one would be readily acceptable....... unnoticeable even! We use the practicability route. And while I learned straight speaking in Australia, I learned the art of practicability in New Zealand