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Shooting & Reloading - Mausers, Big Bores and others >> Lee Speed Forum & Archive

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taw1126
.333 member

Reged: 24/07/07
Posts: 290
Loc: Texas

Commercial BSA Missing Charging Bridge
#350107 - 07/02/21 06:16 AM

I just acquired a BSA Sporting Rifle that based on catalogs I can find, appears to be what is shown in circa 1930's catalog as the "No. 4c Bush Pattern Rifle" with 20.5" barrel, full pistol grip, horn forend tip, and 5-round magazine (Photobucket will no longer let me post pictures, I'm happy to put all of this up as soon as I figure out a way to do that).

The rifle is in excellent condition...frankly better than I expected based on the auction photos. The one issue it has is that someone removed the charging bridge ssomewhere along the way. It may not be easy or even possible to replace this piece without unintended (bad) consequences, but I'd like to put this thing back in its original form. Does anyone know where I might find the correct charging bridge? I didn't realize how difficult it was going to be to find this part.

Thanks,
Trey

Edited by taw1126 (07/02/21 06:31 AM)

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taw1126
.333 member

Reged: 24/07/07
Posts: 290
Loc: Texas

Re: Commercial BSA Missing Charging Bridge [Re: taw1126]
#350108 - 07/02/21 06:35 AM

Attempts at some photos. First, the catalog reference:

Next, the rifle just acquired:

And finally, same configuration rifle (apparently sold in Canada not long ago) that shows charging bridge intact. Interestingly, this rifle and the one I just bought are consecutively numbered.

Edited by taw1126 (07/02/21 06:42 AM)

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Hunter4752001
.300 member

Reged: 25/01/10
Posts: 135
Loc: Australia

Re: Commercial BSA Missing Charging Bridge [Re: taw1126]
#350118 - 07/02/21 01:16 PM

First let me state that I'm not even a gun smith's proverbial and can't give any sort of expert advice. I did find an article which may be of some help to you.
https://www.enfield-rifles.com/charger-bridge-replacement_topic7930_page1.html

You would need to source a charger bridge from somewhere, either a mil-surp parts dealer or maybe a dealer with a junked receiver. Be aware that the holes in the replacement charger bridge may not exactly match the holes in your receiver. I note from your photos that on your receiver the rivet holes appear to have been filled with screws this might make it easier than if you had to rivet. If you need to rivet, be very careful as it would be easy to damage the receiver wall.

Good luck and let us know how it works out.

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Iowa_303s
.400 member

Reged: 22/03/13
Posts: 1016
Loc: Iowa, USA

Re: Commercial BSA Missing Charging Bridge [Re: Hunter4752001]
#350120 - 07/02/21 02:30 PM

Congratulations on winning that auction Trey. It's a nice looking rifle.
I'm glad it was someone on the NE forum.

--------------------
Matt

formerly known as Iowa_303

"Once your reputation is ruined you can live your life quite freely."

"Enkelkinder über alles"

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taw1126
.333 member

Reged: 24/07/07
Posts: 290
Loc: Texas

Re: Commercial BSA Missing Charging Bridge [Re: Iowa_303s]
#350132 - 08/02/21 01:43 AM

Matt- were you bidding or watching? I ended up paying more than I wanted (proof that the auction format can work) but I've been looking for one of these for several years. Always seem to miss them. And after a tear-down and thorough cleaning I have to say I'm happier with this purchase than any I can name in recent memory.

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Iowa_303s
.400 member

Reged: 22/03/13
Posts: 1016
Loc: Iowa, USA

Re: Commercial BSA Missing Charging Bridge. [Re: taw1126]
#350135 - 08/02/21 02:43 AM

Trey, I ended up just watching. It went higher than I wished to go.
But I'm happy it went to a good home.
I saved the photos for my son who just picked up a sporterized #1 Mk I and wants to build it into a Speed-ish hunting rifle.

--------------------
Matt

formerly known as Iowa_303

"Once your reputation is ruined you can live your life quite freely."

"Enkelkinder über alles"

Edited by Iowa_303s (08/02/21 02:44 AM)

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2152hq
.300 member

Reged: 20/05/12
Posts: 126
Loc: USA

Re: Commercial BSA Missing Charging Bridge. [Re: Iowa_303s]
#352038 - 06/04/21 02:23 AM

I know I'm late to the conversation, but APEX Gun Parts has demilled No1MkIII recv'rs (back half) which have the charger bridge in tact. $20.
Don't know if that'd help or not.

https://www.apexgunparts.com/rifles/bolt-action/lee-enfield/enfield-1-mkiii.html

Scroll down to the lower offerings on page#2 of the No1MkIII parts..

I've done business with them buying parts for No1 rifles to restore in the past and have found them to be good to deal with.

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