Mk 3 Enfield Front Band Fitting

[Frost Cracked]

I've just gotten myself a set of Enfield wood and am putting it together around the rifle.

However, I have come into a bit of trouble. The front barrel, does not close around the stock and guard. It's too small, or there's too much wood.

My question is, do I get a bigger band, or do I let out some of the wood on the lower stock?

 

[mr.e moose]

You will have to remove a little wood from the recess. I take a piece of cedar shim and dip it into some kerosene and use it to soot the band, where the soot is transferred onto the wood that is where you remove material. A little at a time, you can always take a little more off but you cant replace it.

 

[HarryD]

I use a 4" draw file. They are flat with smooth edges and almost perfect width for the groove.

 

[the11]

Like the guys said. Remove wood, slow but sure. And as you are fitting it, remember to have the sling swivel in place. I almost removed too much wood because I forgot to do this.

 

[gerard488]

I bought a stock set on Ebay a while back that included the bands and ran into the same sort of problem. The middle band was way too small for the stock. It was also too wide for the groove in the stock. I ended up getting anothed band and it fit perfect.
You say you are having trouble with the front band, Don`t you have end caps on the stock and top guard?

 

[mr.e moose]

Like the guys said. Remove wood, slow but sure. And as you are fitting it, remember to have the sling swivel in place. I almost removed too much wood because I forgot to do this.

Good point!! Thanks ,the11. Brain fart on my part not to include the sling swivel!

 

[infideleggwelder]

I use a 4" draw file. They are flat with smooth edges and almost perfect width for the groove.

i do this generally as well when i make new front hand guards, you will almost never file away too much wood. being a little lazy helps as well. and don't forget the swivel

 

[HarryD]

You don't want the fit to be overly tight. I suspect many of the front handguards you see distorted at the rear is from over tight front bands, particularly those on coachwood stocks.