SMLE Parts Question

[Rman]

Hello! An LE SMLE question... the "bridge" that goes over the action, that is for holding the stripper clips... Does that part have a specific name, how does it attach to the action, and is it available as a separate part?
Thanks for your help!

R.

 

[tiriaq]

I'd call it a charger bridge. There are four rivets, two left, two right. About the only one you will find is one removed from a rifle. Maybe someone is scrapping a rifle, making a Delisle repro or a sporter. Place a Want Ad in the EE, you might find one.

 

[Rman]

Thank you... Have you, or anyone else removed one? Looking to put one on a rifle for a PH style scope mount... not sure if it's practical, or not. Kinda looking like not.

R.

 

[tiriaq]

I have removed them. Don't have one in the bin at present. It is necessary to locate the rivet heads, center punch, and drill them.
A side mount might be easier.

 

[Potashminer]

OP - you likely will want a Parker Hale A27 side mount - is what Parker Hale provided on their "Custom" level No. 1 rifles - was A29 on their "Custom" No. 4's. What you are thinking - two holes drilled and tapped into front receiver ring, then two more smaller holes into that cross bridge - was the BA 24 base for No. 1 - uses the same PH rings on any of those bases - but have to pay attention - PH made BOTH "A" series and narrower "B" series - rings and bases - need to get both to match to each other. There has been several rifles here where former owner had swapped out the PH "rail" on the A29 and A27 side bases, for a flat bottom Weaver or Picatinny rail - allowing the use of any Weaver style ring with cross bolt.

 

[Rman]

Thanks for the info... a side mount would be much easier, but hideous, IMO... definitely looking for the PH top mount. Have run into the wide vs narrow issue as well, and now have a couple of matching sets.

Tiriaq, how do you re-install them? Replace the rivets with what? Can a bolt be used?

R.

 

[tiriaq]

I suppose screws could be fitted instead of rivets.