British Wooden Carrying Handle Wanted

[peregrinvs]

Hi,

A friend of mine intends to swap the plastic furniture on his 1963 Enfield for wood. The only part he doesn't have or have a lead for is the 'Stem carrying handle'. (NSN 1005-99-960-2010) Could anyone point me in the direction of one?

Thanks,
Mark

Information

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[nzl1a1collector]

The stem is a hard part to find, they usually come attached to a wooden handle. I haven't seen a stem for sale for a long time.

[Peter Laidler]

I'm not sure that the stem ever came as a separate part in UK service. It's listed in the parts list but as I say, the parts list is a list of parts and not a list of AVAILABLE parts. Just thinking on my feet, I suppose you could just melt the plasticised nylon off a current one, cut the little cannelure in the end and slide on a wood handle.

[peregrinvs]

I'm not sure that the stem ever came as a separate part in UK service. It's listed in the parts list but as I say, the parts list is a list of parts and not a list of AVAILABLE parts. Just thinking on my feet, I suppose you could just melt the plasticised nylon off a current one, cut the little cannelure in the end and slide on a wood handle.

Thanks. Other than the cannelure, do you know if the metalwork under the plastic is the same as on the wooden ones?

Alternatively, does anyone know of a source of complete wooden grip carrying handle assemblies - either British or a lookalike?

Thanks,
Mark

[Peter Laidler]

I would think that it's the same. Spring steel, shaped like a lock washer so that it doesn't flop around. Caused no end of rifle bodies to be written off because being hard, sprung/spring steel the open end around the gas cylinder nut that frictioned against the body would/could act as a lathe tool and just cut away at the softer body steel until it was a loose fit. Bend/shape further to get a better/more friction and the same happens until the gap in the body is gradually cut back.

There was a 14-MAG programme in the late 70's to see whether there could be a suitable repair programme for this but was stopped due to the cost against existing stockpiles and end of life nearby.

[skiprat]

The stem in the plastic handle is a lot shorter then the wooden one, only runs about 1/2 way.
(Found this out trying to make a carrying handle for my X8 )
DS Solutions . co.UK may have one but they are getting expensive

[peregrinvs]

Thanks. Alas DS Solutions don't have that part.

Perhaps I ought to make it a more general question: is it possible to strip down a post-1995 spec deactivated SLR enough to replace all the furniture?

[tankhunter]

They DO turn up on Evilbay occasionaly. Keep monitoring the site, & You will find one!

[mrclark303]

Thanks. Alas DS Solutions don't have that part.

Perhaps I ought to make it a more general question: is it possible to strip down a post-1995 spec deactivated SLR enough to replace all the furniture?

Yep it should be, (in general terms, work varies) so perhaps not always, the bolt is removed along with the rats tail and return springs, then the carrier is welded in position with additional weld along the guide rails.

The TMH has the hammer spring removed and the hammer welded to the sides of the TMH and trigger mech (plus obvious barrel work) so the rifle should still break and pivot open, allowing access to the pistol grip screw, the carry handle nut should unscrew (unless it has also been welded).

Best check the rifle before buying any expensive wooden furniture....don't be defeated by the mig welder!

[Peter Laidler]

That's a good bit of info Skippy. But what the xxxx.......... It's just a bit of 4 or 5mm steel wire! Simple to heat, bend and shape. And if you are REALLY into pain and suffering, you could case harden the end coil to replicate the damage that the real McCoy caused! (well, just thought I'd brighten up an otherwise crap and gloomy day here in Oxfordshire)