SMLE rear handguard issues...

Poparelli

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So, I have apparently broken the rivets that hold the rear handguard to the spring clip on my No.1 Mk.III*. The wood looks fine, but both rivets are popped apart.

What are my options here? I'd prefer to keep the original rear handguard rather than the replace it, but I don't know anything about riveting, especially on a 90-year old rifle. Is this even possible to fix via re-riveting? If not I was thinking maybe some tiny self-tapping screws to reattach the handguard to the clip... :confused:
 
Are the brass pins still intact?

When you remove the rear handguard it's better to remove the forend first, then push the handguard clip upwards from underneath the barrel. But I guess you've discovered that by now, the same way as I did a few year ago :D

If the brass pins are ok, you can (probably?) put the clip back under the handguard and use a punch to re-"squeeze" the pins so that it holds on? Maybe. I'm not sure if that'd work but...

Lou
 
I have both halves of the pins and they look fine to me (other than being apart). I will have to try using a punch on it over the weekend. As it stands the handguard is still quite snug in place on the barrel just with a pressure fit and the pins out. I'm just concerned it'd become loose with recoil, aside from obviously wanting it fixed regardless.

Unfortunately I have to store my guns at a buddy's place so it makes them a bit of a hassle to work on...

Thanks though :)
 
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