Late production SMLE woodwork

[Flying10uk]

Does any-one know if the woodwork on a late production SMLE rifle change at all in style or dimensions? For example would the woodwork on a WW1 SMLE be exactly the same as a WW2 manufactured rifle? Are there any parts of the woodwork on a late production SMLE interchangeable with the No4 mk1 rifle ie the butt? Thank-you in anticipation for any help.

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

The fore-ends had many, many variables from start to end of production. Too many to list here. The butts were fully interchangeable with just a couple of slight alterations to the socket and heel of the butt and to us, it made no difference which butt was fitted to either although it was generally No4 butts to No1 rifles - and WSE, No4 butt plates and sling loops to Lanchesters

[Mk VII]

A lot of later forends overhang the metal at the back, leaving plenty to sand down and reoil on overhaul - unlike pre-1914 wood which was probably handscraped to templates.

[Flying10uk]

Thank-you very much for this useful information, chaps.

[Flying10uk]

Also, was provision for the brass Butt disc always machined into the Butt right up to the end of production of the SMLE, please? I would guess that it was but am not certain. Thanks.

[Peter Laidler]

I would say not simply because the butt marking disc had long been declared obsolescent before the end of rifle production. The brass discs had already been declared obsolescent by the cheaper steel variants

[harry mac]

Also, was provision for the brass Butt disc always machined into the Butt right up to the end of production of the SMLE, please? I would guess that it was but am not certain. Thanks.

No, it wasn't. I got hold of a brand new, late production set made from beech when I was serving in Germany from a company called Sportarms. The butt had no provision for the butt disc and the whole set was a bit "fatter" than the very beat up walnut set it replaced. (Which, come to think of it, also had no provision for a butt disc.)

[Peter Laidler]

While I don't ever remember new No1 rifle butts in service - as we simply used No4 butts when we supported old No1 rifles, I do remember new beech No1 rifle fore-ends and handguard made by BSA and dated 1957. Can anyone identify any UK made wood later than this. Current copies excepted of course.....

[Roy]

And another thing, WW1 production MkIII* forends have the 'bulge' behind the sling swivel band. which is a remnant of the place the the forward volley sight was placed. Some time between the wars the forends become pretty straight from nose cap to magazine.

[Flying10uk]

Thanks for all the replies. I thought that the butt may have had provision for the disc right up to the end of production because provision was made on the Mk1 Bren Gun butt for fitting a disc although I'm not sure if all Mk1 Brens had this. I'm not 100% sure exactly what information was put on the disc but my understanding is that it was the name and number of the soldier to whom the weapon was issued to?