Lithgow Stock Repair

[mrkurtz]

I just picked up a 1941 Lithgow in very good shape. The Problem is that the Coachwood stock has a crack where all Lithgows crack, at the back near the socket just behind the trigger. I think the area is called the draws. It does have the copper reinforcements that were supposed to prevent this,but its there anyway. I would like to save the stock because its original and serial numbered to the action. Can it be fixed and is there someone in Los Angeles that can do it? Thanks

[Enfield47]

Yes, you can easily fix that portion of the stock. I made the same repair on my Enfield stock. You need to clean out the crack really well. First remove the tie plate from the stock and spray some Breakclean in the crack, let dry and repeat a few times. You want to be sure to get all the oil out of the wood before you make the repair. Next get some Acraglass (from Brownells), place it in the crack (you may have to drill a couple of small holes to be sure you get enough in there), and clamp it for a couple of days. Once the Acraglass sets, it's a permanent fix that shouldn't break loose.

[TRAP55]

Yes, you can easily fix that portion of the stock. I made the same repair on my Enfield stock. You need to clean out the crack really well. First remove the tie plate from the stock and spray some Breakclean in the crack, let dry and repeat a few times. You want to be sure to get all the oil out of the wood before you make the repair. Next get some Acraglass (from Brownells), place it in the crack (you may have to drill a couple of small holes to be sure you get enough in there), and clamp it for a couple of days. Once the Acraglass sets, it's a permanent fix that shouldn't break loose.

Look who's giving instructions now, you have done well grasshopper.

[Enfield47]

Look who's giving instructions now, you have done well grasshopper.

I was taught by the best!

[mj1]

I have s new coachwood stock and a perfect set of the brass recoil plates and will take some pictures if I jump into this. I have talked to Peter Laidler about this job. A few G&T's and I'm ready to cut, shave and past.

[mrkurtz]

Uhh, what are G&Ts?

[Capybara]

Gin & Tonics, the preferred refreshment of Enfield gunsmiths the world over?

[mj1]

Please forgive him Capy he sounds new to the British English as spoken in low pubs.

[Father Ted]

Would need to see some pics. Personally, I wouldn't repair coachwood to shoot again. I've replaced draws in coachwood only to have it obliterate elsewhere. I have one rifle with coachwood that shoots regularly with no problems yet. I have a recent pickup with coachwood, draws shagged beyond belief, and some interesting carvings in it. I'm going to make sure it stays with the rifle, but if I want to shoot it I will find and fit a walnut forend to the rifle.
Cheers

[Tonymin]

I bought a Ishapore forend from Numrich. It takes a bit of fitting but looks great and shoots well.