Removing SMLE Fore-end Rear Screw Wire

[nijalninja]

G'day there, this again kind of comes back to me having so many SMLE fore-ends with cracks across the back and me not quite knowing what to do.

After examining Capt Laidlers writings on the subject he mentioned that in order to keep SMLE's still in the game they removed the rear screw wire and replaced it with a cross screw like in the No4 MKII's. Which is great but I have no godly idea how to get this wire out without demolishing the fore-end. Capt Laidler states that they 'drifted' out the old wire, but I've tried tapping it with a punch to no avail, I'm wondering if he meant something else or if there is more to it than that.

I figured if I can get the old wire out I can open up the crack, glue it, and replace the wire either with the one I took out or with some wire I have in a slightly larger diameter, or with a dowel, or with the cross-screw as detailed. I found the details on here about how to make the MKII cross-screw all except for what kind of nut it has (Someone said a hex nut I believe?). I have never had the chance to examine a MKII up close and see this outfit for myself.

Either way any help is appreciated. Cheers.

Information

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[Parashooter]

The "wire" in question is perhaps slender threaded brass rod - as in image below of "stock repair pins" from Brownells. If so, the way to remove intact is with a hollow drill - leaving a significantly larger hole, of course.
Also attached a photo of the No.4 Mk.2 nut, screw, and rudimentary spanner for same.

[nijalninja]

Ah yeah that is the stuff Parashooter. People give it different names it seems. Brian Dick measured some to be 2.3mm diameter, the stuff I have is 2.5mm. I feel like there should be some way other than just drilling it out entirely, I mean this seems like such a common issue someone must have an effective simple fix. I can't see a picture on your post Para sorry mate. An up close pic would be nice however, cheers.

[Patrick Chadwick]

I can't see a picture on your post Para sorry mate.

Neither can I.

[Ridolpho]

Nijalninja: I suppose you could go with the No. 4 Mk I/I* backstrap as an alternative. I believe most of the strength of these is in the backstrap itself with the peened over pin being mainly to hold it in place? An added plus would be that these are pretty easy to find and were originally used on many Ishapore No. 1 rifles.

Ridolpho

[Parashooter]

Maybe this image method will work for you -

[nijalninja]

Hey Para the images in your original post are now visible as well too for some reason. Anyway thanks mate.

Ridolpho I did think that, but it looks like a bit more word than the cross screw or just replacing the screw wire. I also would not mind keeping the square end on my butt-stock bolt if possible. Looking at it now I reckon I will have to remove the U-plate for the rear of the fore-end for the cross-screw anyway unless I patch the hole and then move the hole for the cross-screw forward so it does not enter the inletting for the U-plate.

I have an idea that does not sound too heretical, hopefully: I reckon I could gouge/chisel out a small square around threaded rod/screw wire on one side of the fore-end enough to grab it with a pair or pliers and twist it out, then I could do my repair, drill the hole out for the new wire/rod or plug it with dowel and then try the cross-screw. Then just plug up the gouged/chiselled area and make it all flat. Not butchery is it?

[CINDERS]

Just just like a cross bolt they had on the Parker Hale rifles and big game rifles I think the K-98 has a cross bolt near the chamber end of the bottom stock might be wrong on the latter.

[browningautorifle]

Hey Para the images in your original post are now visible as well too for some reason.

Strange how that happens sometimes here...

I think the K-98 has a cross bolt near the chamber end of the bottom stock

Those are the recoil lug that the barrel sits in. A critical component...

[nijalninja]

Yeah Cinders and I believe the 7*57 Mausers have it too, and its the same principle used on Model 70 Winchesters.

Still haven't quite found answers but I'll hang around and try to dig up what I can before going out on a limb and trying my method. Thanks fellas.