No1 Mk3 front handguard needed. (No longer needed)

They are out there and probably cost more than reproduction pieces, which by the way are a decent investment for a restoration, which is what you`re doing, either way it dosn`t hurt value one iota.

good luck

 Yes this is true, but the unhappy part is most private sales out there now are by no means original.

If you`re into value or collecting that is.  Most new to Enfields either don`t know or frankly don`t care. All they see is a lee Enfield rifle and are happy to just have one.

 Here`s an example, an acquaintance of mine was over and saw my Bisley MkI 1915, I told him I built it to resemble a picture of one I had seen, he wanted it and offered $2000 just to have it, to which I said nope, its mine and priceless. Basically has a MKV 1 piece upper hand guard and an aperture rear sight. Scarce as hens teeth and from what I gather were mostly home built, but if found are worth a small fortune.

 The point is, original Enfields are becoming unattainable by the average Joe, so restoring is at best the only viable option for most. Those that flaunt them as originals should be ashamed, they`re nothing but money grubbing thieves.

 I try to encourage those looking for advise on restoring old rifles and allow them to decide for themselves which way is best to proceed based on their economic situations and whether they are flipping to move up or just want a good example.

 I`m not in it for money I have them to enjoy and to pass on, many a fellow gun club mate is happy to enjoy them with me.....

Just be totally aware that in most cases, the DP'd rifles also included the stock as well. Alot of DP'd rifles had stocks that were twisted and basically mated to its Master Component. When you purchase a rifle stock with the DP paint job, you purchase whatever issue came with it. Do as you see fit to do and keep us updated with your progress...

Just check that it is not warped and that the barrel channel is 'good'.

DP wood was used on DP rifles because it was out of specification for a 'live firing service rifle'

Any furniture taken off rifles because it was damaged had to be saved and then examined by senior examiners (C.I.S.A. = Chief Inspector of Small Arms) from Enfield Lock before it could be classed as DP, if it was not badly damaged it went back to the armourers shop to be repaired, splice or whatever to make it usable on a service rifle.

All non DP parts EXCEPT wood could be used on DP rifles if the cost of fitting was lower than returning the rifle to Enfield.

Non DP wood must never be used on a DP rifle.

Instructions to Armourers 1931 (Page 18)

 Use of DP woodwork :

20. Repair of rifles No. 1 D.P.—Provision of stocks and handguards is made for the repair and maintenance of No. 1 D.P. rifles. They are supplied, as required, on demand through the usual channels. These components, marked “D.P.”, will not be used for the repair of rifles other than “D.P.”. Serviceable stocks and handguards must not be used for the repair and maintenance of “D .P.” rifles. Unserviceable stocks and handguards from service rifles which may be considered as suitable for “D.P.” rifles will be accumulated locally at Command Ordnance Depots and held pending the visit of an examiner from the C.I.S.A., Enfield Lock, who will finally sentence and mark them. Serviceable components, other than stocks and handguards, may continue to be used for the maintenance of “D.P.” rifles provided that the cost is unlikely to exceed the cost of factory repair with “D.P.” parts plus cost of transport of the rifles to and from the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield Lock.

I have a rear hand-guard on an SMLE, I bought it seperate from the rifle because it had the fingers & I thought no fingers may have been correct, but was fugly.

It does have a pair of biscuit reinforcements, but so do many, I've had it on the rifle for some time now & its perfectly fine.

I was looking at it the other day for some purpose & the light revealed a faint "DP" stamp, so faint I've never noticed it before & I've had it since 2017!

Other than being reinforced can't find anything wrong with it.