What is This Part and Its Purpose?

[CHUCKW]

Hi all, another question about my No. 4 Mk 1; what is this steel band at the rear of the fore end, what is its purpose and can it be moved to another fore end? I believe it is some sort of reinforcement band and it looks like it is riveted. Can it be removed and put on another fore end?

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[browningautorifle]

Yes it's for strength and yes it can be removed.

[CHUCKW]

Can it be tapped out with a punch? It looks like one side has a head to it like a rivet and the other side is smaller diameter.

[Patrick Chadwick]

The steel band is known as a tie-plate. It is held in place by a brass rivet. Do NOT try and drive it out with a punch unless you first file or grind off the rivet head!

But..... Why on earth would you want to remove it, as this FUBARs the fore-end to which it is already mounted? It was not put there as decoration, but to strengthen the fore-end at a point that is very prone to splitting - especially if one tries to remove the fore-end without first removing the butt and the long stock-bolt that protrudes into a recess in the fore-end!

See Stratton, British Enfield Rifles Vol. 2, P.101.

[CHUCKW]

The for end is already cut off and pretty much screwed up already. I have purchased a replacement fore end that is missing this piece. It was advertised as a Mk. 2 but the rear of the fore end is inlet to accept this tie-plate. I was under the impression that Mk. 2 fore ends had a reinforcing screw through a hole at the rear. This one is clearly inlet for the plate. I wanted to transfer the tie-plate from the screwed up fore end to the replacement. See below. You will also see that the rear of the fore end is split like a Mk. 2.

[Brian Dick]

It looks like a Mk.1 forend someone tried to modify unsuccessfully to Mk.2. It also looks like it was cleaned with oven cleaner which does permanent damage to the wood. You'll need to replace the wood that's missing too before you can reinstall the tie plate. Use your original as a guide.

[CHUCKW]

It looks like a Mk.1 forend someone tried to modify unsuccessfully to Mk.2. It also looks like it was cleaned with oven cleaner which does permanent damage to the wood. You'll need to replace the wood that's missing too before you can reinstall the tie plate. Use your original as a guide.

I'm gonna give it a try. How do I remove the brass rivet? I could grind off the head but what do I use to replace it? Any tips on how to repair the "oven cleaner" wood?

[browningautorifle]

Probably easier to just get a lower that is serviceable and hasn't been cooked...

[Brian Dick]

I think BAR is right. If you contact me directly at bdlltd@bellsouth.net, I may be able to help you out. I have a limited supply of No.4 forends here. Many that need repair/patching before use and a few that are ready to install. I don't normally sell them outright anymore because I use them for client restorations and shop projects. They are getting scarce on the ground and difficult to replace.