Am I missing something!

[Bruce_in_Oz]

RobO

I suspect that the demand for "original-configuration" rifles is driving a sizeable "de-sporterizing" movement. That there are at least three makers of No1 barrels on the planet is an interesting indicator

I have "renovated" several No 1 and No 4 rifles in my time. One of the obvious indicators of this "movement" is the number of people offering "reproduction woodwork". Precision wood-machining is cheaper now than it has ever been for the small operator. Think through the operations to make something like the rear hand-guard "Spring" that clamps the rear hand-guard to the barrel.

One such operation I talk with from time to time has, for the last few years, been quietly vacuuming up the "fiddly bits" that are screwed or riveted to the various timber components. The wood may be easy to duplicate (with the right gear and skills), some of those tiny screws and rivets would cost a fortune to make in penny packets, especially No1 series screws with their "Enfield-Special" threads. And every time some "enthusiast" removes a No1 outer band retaining screw without first carefully drilling out the staked out end of the screw, a new outer band will also be required.

Anyone checked on the similar issues with Mauser and Arisaka buffs?