Lithgow SMLE with stock crack

A

albertacowboy

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I have a 1944 Lithgow SMLE III* in very mint condition, but with 1 crack on the left side of the forestock. The crack is around the brass reinforcing pin just forward of the butt socket, about .5 inch laterally in length, and still very narrow in width. I can't tell if it is a surface crack or goes all the way through on the left side of the forestock.

I have not yet disassembled the rifle, so I don't know if it has the brass blocks for stock reinforcement. I intend to strip the rifle properly (forestock first) over Christmas and see what's wrong with this otherwise mint example. Here are two questions:

1. If the brass reinforcing blocks are absent, where can I buy some?

2. Are there any experts out there to whom I can turn for easy help, as my woodworking expertise is limited to hanging picture frames? I am in Edmonton, so help within driving distance would be very convenient. I am grateful, however, for all help from CGN folks across the country.

Many thanks,
Albertacowboy
 
Pictures would help, but as it's a Lithgow, it almost certainly has the copper blocks. If not, I have some from a Lithgow I rebuilt, and can send you them if needed. Mine was coachwood and was cracked horizontally and vertically. Far from mint condition, and sporterized, so I ended up buying a new one from Numrich.

Lou the Pou is one of the best Enfield restorers: check out his posts.
 
Being a Lithgow certainly does not guarantee it will have the copper plates. Thousands were assembled without them. You can however, determine if they are present through the top of the action and without removing the forstock.
 
If the crack doesn't run right through the side to side brass pin it may not be a big deal as all the pin does is prevent the rear end of the forend from spreading when a shot is fired. Lots of Lithgow forends already have vertical brass rods near the rear of the forend to prevent cracks of the sort you're describing. It would help if you could upload a couple of photos.

milsurpo
 
Mint means unfired, no wear whatsoever and exactly as it came out of the factory.
A crack can come from shooting or the wood getting really dry. I'd take off the stock and use a needle type epoxy applicator and a clamp or two to close the crack.
 
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