Is there a difference between stock manufacturers and MkI & MkII stocks?

[amadeus76]

Simple question I'm unsure about... I often see stocks for sale labeled as being 'Savage' or 'ROF' makes, or listed as being MkII. Just wondering if there is any practical difference? Essentially, will a MkI Longbranch fit in a MkII ROF stock or vice versa?

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[mr.e moose]

Not without modifications. A Mk2 stock is made for a Lee Enfield that has the trigger attached to the receiver, while a Mk1 or Mk1* has the trigger hung off the trigger guard. It can be done but you would have to patch woodwork and adapt for a tie plate or a cross bolt.

[Roger Payne]

Yes, & even within the production of stocks for Mk1 & 1* rifles there is variation. At Long Branch their early stocks were inletted for the bolt release catch, but once LB & Savage dispensed with this method of removing the bolt there was no need for the extra machining operation on the stock, so it was eventually omitted. Consequently a later stock will require the removal of some meat to allow clearance for the bolt removal catch if it is to be fitted to a UK or early North American produced Mk1 rifle. I got plenty of experience of this some years ago when I was rebuilding some 4T (largely BSA Shirley) barrelled actions with Canadian woodwork!

[amadeus76]

But I assume MkI stocks of different makes are interchangeable?

[Roger Payne]

They'll all go on but are likely to need a little fitting. A certain well known retired armourer has written a guide on how to do it properly, that is archived somewhere on this site. No doubt someone more computer savvy than me will point us in the right direction.

[rgg_7]

Brit MK1's have additional inletting for the bolt head release ( right side) whereas Savage and Long Branch don't. Generally all need fitting as mentioned above. Ron (Canada)