SMLE MK III: handguard endcap removal

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   How do you remove a forward handguard end cap on the SMLE Mark III?  I recently purchased a 1942 SMLE Mark III.   The ears on the forward handguard are cracked so I bought a spare handguard (without ears) to use while I shoot this rifle at the range.  Anyways, I want to remove the endcap on the replacement handguard as it is pretty rusty.  I have a spare, pristine one that I would like to replace it with.  How do I remove the endcap on the handguard and put on the new endcap?

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Prozac919 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: April 23 2025 Location: USA Status: Offline Points: 4	Post Options Post Reply Quote Prozac919 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: SMLE MK III: handguard endcap removal Posted: April 23 2025 at 7:58pm
	How do you remove a forward handguard end cap on the SMLE Mark III? I recently purchased a 1942 SMLE Mark III. The ears on the forward handguard are cracked so I bought a spare handguard (without ears) to use while I shoot this rifle at the range. Anyways, I want to remove the endcap on the replacement handguard as it is pretty rusty. I have a spare, pristine one that I would like to replace it with. How do I remove the endcap on the handguard and put on the new endcap?
	CAS

Bear43 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Special Member Donating Member Joined: August 11 2010 Location: Doland, SD Status: Offline Points: 3500	Post Options Post Reply Quote Bear43 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: April 24 2025 at 7:26am
	It depends on what type of fastener is holding it on. Some have screws. On the underside of the handguard you need to look and clean it a little to see if there are screw slots. Others are riveted on.

Prozac919 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: April 23 2025 Location: USA Status: Offline Points: 4	Post Options Post Reply Quote Prozac919 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: April 24 2025 at 6:43pm
	Looks like it has been riveted on and then has a puddy wood filler underneath. Decided to take some steel wool and crocus cloth and cleaned up the rust on the replacement hand guard end cap. That did the trick although it took the blueing off. I guess I am satisfied with this as I will be using that replacement only for shooting. I will keep the original stored in case I ever sell this.
	CAS

Prozac919 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: April 23 2025 Location: USA Status: Offline Points: 4	Post Options Post Reply Quote Prozac919 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: April 24 2025 at 6:46pm
	I looked at the original handguard with the cracked ears. That one has screws holding the end cap in place. That endcap is in decent shape and is original to the rifle. The replacement handguard (with the ears removed that I will use when I take this rifle to the range) has the riveted endcap.
	CAS