Enfield Forend Problems

[pastfinder]

Well,

I took my ishapore out shooting with surplus Pakisanti 7.62 NATO. The rifle mechanically was fine, but when I took her apart for cleaning the forend repairs all had failed. Looking closer, the forend on this rifle is so darn loose I can slide it forwards and backwards 5 mm from the rear of the receiver. It needs heavy shimming as well as cracks repaired. My question to all is how should I go about this. A fellow on another forum says he can fix the cracks, etc. for $80 including shipping; I can get a replacement forend (this forend's serial number does not match the rifle's numbers) for $40-50 and try shimming it; or I can monkey around with this stock and try to fix it myself. The cracks will only get worse with such a bad fit on the forend to begin with. If I could find a new walnut No. 1 Mk. 3 forend I would get that and shim to fit. Anyhow, all input desired.

[Schuetzenman]

A photo of the cracks would be useful in helping to formulate a fix. That said, sometimes it is just better to get a replacement part. As you've mentioned this is not the original handguard piece, wait, you said forend. Still, forend or handguards, all about the same just a matter of size and price. Look at Sarco, Numerich Arms and Sprinfield Sporters for sources.

[pastfinder]

Ask and ye shall receive.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g219/pastfinder/top-cracks.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g219/pastfinder/rear-crack.jpg

I've already started hunting. The two places that look promising are Springfield Sporters and Popperts. Sarco sells complete sets but I don't need one of those, just the forend. Not sure if they sell just that.

[MJ1]

What you need to post is a photo of the draws were the recoil lugs are pulled into the for-stock. If the draws are crushed they can be replaced with hard wood plugs and re-cut. But you can start over with a replacement for-stock and get your accuracy back the easy way.

Good luck.
..MJ..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/montereyjack/243c48c2.jpg

[pastfinder]

This is not the original forend, and the draws are cut WAY too deep (or far back from the magazine well). I'm just mulling the thought of buying an ATI stock set up. It would be the quick/cheap/easy way to be able to shoot the rifle without going crazy repairing the stock. I can take the stock then to a friend who is a wizard with wood working and have him try to repair the draws and cracks. It is this or I buy another forend with the gamble that it will fit. I'm calling Springfield Sporters on Monday and talking with them to see what might be possible.

[rjwnz]

This is not the original forend, and the draws are cut WAY too deep (or far back from the magazine well). I'm just mulling the thought of buying an ATI stock set up. It would be the quick/cheap/easy way to be able to shoot the rifle without going crazy repairing the stock. I can take the stock then to a friend who is a wizard with wood working and have him try to repair the draws and cracks. It is this or I buy another forend with the gamble that it will fit. I'm calling Springfield Sporters on Monday and talking with them to see what might be possible.

Generally speaking Enfield forends interchange remarkably well, based on lots of past experiences; my first move in your shoes would be to locate a average to good decent looking used forend and go for it, 99% it will go on and shoot well, and give you a base about future decisions ie improve its accuracy or sell and buy another, just look for obvious recoil lug damage, and splits going back towards the wrist, avoid both. The only time I would repair a forend is if its serialed to the rifle or its a color match and you really want to keep the originality.

ps there s plenty of enfield parts sources listed at enfield resource.com