No. 4 Mk. 1* Stock Detective Work Needed

[CHUCKW]

Gents,

I've stripped my old sporterized fore end and found somethings I don't understand. Looking at the photos below, you'll notice a photo of what I believe to be the original barrel band location. It was hidden beneath what appeared to be some sort of hardened putty. Does this look right to you? Is it at the proper location? It appears to be about 16 1/2 inches from the receiver end. If this IS the original location, it would mean that my replacement handguard is too long. You'll see in another photo that the two barrel band grooves (rear handguard and fore end) to not line up. If I adjust the rear hand guard (overlapping the chamber) to match the fore end, the tip of the fore end and front handguard end up about an inch from the front sight. Is this right? I also notice that when I splice the sporterized fore end with the "repair" tip, that I got online, the total length of the newly spliced fore end is only about 27 1/2 inches long. Is this correct? Please assist.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

If I adjust the rear hand guard

The handguard isn't lying. You should just get a new bottom piece and move forward. The bottom was cut shorter than you think and you'd need to cobble and patch and add...the top two show you where things need to be. Get a new bottom piece.

[Brian Dick]

Replace the forend as BAR says above.

[CHUCKW]

Thanks guys. Know anyone with one for sale? I'd rather not spend $400 for a complete set.

[browningautorifle]

Of course not...try placing a WTB here in the appropriate forum. You may find one there or if you ship it to BDL Ltd and have him do a simple rebuild and perhaps headspace and maybe even a refinish. When it returns, it will be prefect. He's in Edgefield SC. https://www.milsurps.com/member.php?u=2818 Send Brian a PM and hook it up. Looks like a Long Branch you have, he has wood to match those I think.