Changing Mk1 buttstock for Mk4

[tankhunter]

To go a bit further down the L4 Route on this project. You also need to change the carrying handle for a MK.II Version.
And also fit a MK.I Folding Cocking Handle as well.

Just an observation.

[Peter Laidler]

There was always a bit of anomaly regarding the L4 folding cocking handle. In the Navy BR (the Navy EMER) that included the L4A5 parts list - which specified one barrel incidentally - it listed both Mk1 folding and Mk2 solid cocking handles with the annotation A/R for AS REQUIRED. That indicates to me that there were Navy L4A3's and 5's with both types of cocking handle. Quite why I never understood but I can only assume that the Navy got some L4A3/5 guns that were a redirected foreign order.

I tried to get to the bottom of this while on the Navy minimi/DillonGatling trial but as the L4's were already obsolete, I didn't get beyond the BR!

On that basis alone I'd say that for an L4A3 or 5, then the cocking handle could be A/R - or either!

[Vincent]

What is the need to change the carry handle? Is it fit, function or just for the “correct” look?

[Peter Laidler]

I think that it is aesthetic AND correctness Vince because the handle specified for the L4 guns is the parallel type. To be honest, the waisted Mk1 type were a PITA as they protruded too far ou of the side of the gun and were prone to damage. Damage that we had to repair! The easiest was to just machine down the damaged front flared bell-end, put on a Mk2 smaller dia end ferrule and be done with it. If scoobydoo wants to send me his address I'll send him some!

[scoobsean]

Thanks Peter, that would be great! I can buy the wood but the discs don't seem to be available

[tankhunter]

What is the need to change the carry handle? Is it fit, function or just for the “correct” look?

It is 'Correct' for any L4 Series LMG. And also as Peter has stated. An Improvement for use in the Field/ Exercises. Reducing the risk of damage which would be greater. On a MK.I Handle.

L4A4 Folding Handle. L4A3 either pattern cocking handle.

[Peter Laidler]

Changing the cocking handle from a Mk2 to a Mk1 folding type was a Base workshop (and FTR) modification. Done at Base Workshops only during a WORP. That's a War Office Repair Programme!

[TactAdv]

Peter......if you have any extras.....I'd love to get ahold of one of the smaller metal discs, too?

-TomH

[scoobsean]

TomH,
Peter is sending me a few, so I can pass one along when they arrive.

[TactAdv]

TomH,
Peter is sending me a few, so I can pass one along when they arrive.

Great! Thanks.......give me a PM whenever and we'll connect......

Thanks to you BOTH!!

-TomH