Enfield Rifles - SMLE MK III: handguard endcap removal

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SMLE MK III: handguard endcap removal

Printed From: Enfield-Rifles.com
Category: Enfields
Forum Name: Enfield Rifles
Forum Description: Anything that has to do with the great Enfield rifles!
URL: http://www.enfield-rifles.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13963
Printed Date: March 26 2026 at 8:18pm
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Topic: SMLE MK III: handguard endcap removal

Posted By: Prozac919
Subject: SMLE MK III: handguard endcap removal
Date 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?

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Replies:

Posted By: Bear43
Date 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.

Posted By: Prozac919
Date 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.

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Posted By: Prozac919
Date 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.

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CAS