Sporterized ShtLE I***

[JB White]

RCS,
Reason for my asking since I haven't owned a CR or GR prefix *** mod yet. You have some to compare!

I am wondering if they used the original inner band on the mkIII-type conversions, then modified the forend for use below the outer band, or if they changed over to the slightly larger diameter inner band & screw to take advantage of the newer MkIII location.

Or...was the original inner band swaged open as to not bind on the barrel if moved back? That would seem like more work than neccesary but I tossed it out there to cover all the options.

Teddydog,

I see your sporter has what appears to be the original inner band and screw judging by its location. I'm thinking that should you use one of your spares you may want to change the inner band & screw to take advantage of the existing inletting.

[RCS]

JBWhite, I did not find anything in "Skip" Stratton's Vol 1 SMLE No 1 Rifles about a difference in the inside diameters of the inner band. I know that when you install a Mark 111 fore-end on a Mark 1*** barrel & action body, you just slide the inner band to the Mark 111 location in the fore-end - and everything is fine. I could be wrong but I do not think there is a difference in the inner band

[JB White]

I tried it once and the band needed to be tapped back tight on the barrel. Not a fit as intended. Fortunately I didn't need to use the MkIII forend. I only tried it out of curiosity to see how easy it was to convert to the upgraded style since I had the spare lumber here.

[RCS]

JBWhite, Unable to find any reference to a Mark 1 or Mark 111 inner band, I have tried alot more Mark 111 fore-ends than just one, and I have not encountered any problems.
Even if you did want to make a select fit of another inner band you have to remove the front sight - which like any project - can be a smooth operation or very difficult

[JB White]

I haven't ever seen any reference either. That's why I asked! LOL

I noticed what I've already mentioned and I have seen different thread pitches amongst my takeoffs and spares. Somewhere along the line some minor things changed. I just don't know exactly when.

[aptech77]

This sounds and look familiar.

[Teddydog]

Deja-vu? Or did someone else recently ask about restoring a Mk I sporter?

[aptech77]

I was in this boat a month ago. Here's what I did.... http://www.jouster.com/forums/showth...She-s-my-first......