How to tighten a loose front handguard on a No 4 Enfield?

[Steve762]

What is the best way to tighten a front handguard on a No4 Mk 1 that moves forward after firing a few rounds? The front stock band screw is tight. On inspection when the screw is tight the front band is pulled together and is touching for approx 1/4 inch in the front with a gap at the rear. Many Thanks, Steve

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

Can you move the top handguard when the bands are screwed up tight? The upper band is held in place by the two PINS, cap, fore-end. So what you do is just drift the top rear centre of the upper band down slightly into the recess of the upper handguard cap. (This recess is a relic of the days when the upper band was hinged) That small state should prevent the handguard moving forwards under recoil

[Steve762]

The front band is not moving forward. The front handguard is moving forward under the band. I see how tapping down the rear top center of of the band will catch the handguard cap and keep it from moving forward.

Question: Should I remove the band to make the adjustment? The band looks thick and I would not want to damage the hanguard/forestock by "beating" on the installed band.

Peter, Many thanks for your time and willingness to share your knowledge. Regards, Steve

[Brian Dick]

I've got lots of front bands with is modification as done during service or at the factory. If you're trying to modify a milled front band, that's going to be difficult if not impossible. I'd consider getting a later stamped variant to modify or that's already modified. They are much easier to work with.

[Peter Laidler]

We would do this as a matter of course. If you let the top handguard rest against the foresight block band it causes accuracy problems

[cthulhudarren]

Couldn't you also insert some shim material (like aluminum can material) underneath the band (lower band I believe) to prevent slippage?

[Peter Laidler]

Maybe best to do it properly............ Stake the top band!