Boys Anti Tank rifles for the Carriers

[Ben]

There's a Boys mount listed in the parts book for the Scout, I suspect its similar to the later MK 1 style slot rest. It mounts on the four holes under the slot (different to later carriers) sadly it was removed before Phillip found it. It may even be missing from the 40's.

[rob love]

I have had a Boys rifle with the V type bipod and it does not fit into those mk1 clips either. I would be interested to see the mount Ben is talking about. It seems many of the brackets and stowage on the mk1s were throwbacks from the earlier versions.

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Kevin, I'm assuming you've tried to fit your Boys into the back of your Mk.1 carrier. If so, how did it go? I tried mine and think it can only fit if you remove the monopod (which we already knew) and also the wooden cheek rest?

The fit in the front is perfect and the rear bracket looks like it was made to fit the carriage and cheekrest.

[kevin powles]

Bruce, I have not tried it in the back, the tank hunter does not have the fittings, I have all the fitting for the standard stowage carrier but have not mocked it up as yet, I would say the rifle must fit complete and I am sure I have seen an official picture with it stowed complete, regarding the mystery rear clips under the radio battery box, could this be for a mk 1 bren gun front support legs, the extendable type?.

I have received back two metal cast receivers which are being drilled and machined this week, hope to have one near ready for War and Peace., still looking for a front site if you can help.

[kevin powles]

I have two cast barrels available, not the prettiest castings but a starting point for a replica rifle, they are £20 each if anyone is interested.

Kevin.

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

I've got more checking to do. My first problem is that the felt at the front is so hard the muzzle doesn't want to slide all the way forward. If I guess where the butt would be if it did it doesn't appear it would sit nicely on the narrow bracket at the back. The monopod may swivel sideways and drop down beside the tool box. I'll play some more and report back.

Here's a closer pic of my receiver. I won't tell where the repairs are...

Originally Posted by kevin powles

Bruce, I have not tried it in the back, the tank hunter does not have the fittings, I have all the fitting for the standard stowage carrier but have not mocked it up as yet, I would say the rifle must fit complete and I am sure I have seen an official picture with it stowed complete, regarding the mystery rear clips under the radio battery box, could this be for a mk 1 bren gun front support legs, the extendable type?.

I have received back two metal cast receivers which are being drilled and machined this week, hope to have one near ready for War and Peace., still looking for a front site if you can help.

[kevin powles]

Bruce, if you could gets some pictures of one stowed that would be great, are the three components for stowage original?. I would say it should be stowed with receiver cover and muzzle cover fitted also.

Nice work on restoring your receiver it all looks original to me.

Kev.

[rob love]

I used to stow my mk1 Boys rifle in it's holders without any major issue. The only issues I had earlier were the use of the flat style muzzle break, which does not fit into the carrier, but I know both Kevin and Bruce have that problem licked.

I am nearing completion of my current carrier, so hopefully in the next month I can verify the fit of my current Boys rifle in my current carrier.

I would love to solve the mystery behind what exactly went into those little stowage clips on the back deck of the carrier. The carrier was designed for the earlier Boys rifle, so they will not be for the two legged V bipod. Peter Laidler is supposed to have a small book on the Boys rifle available at some point. Perhaps I'll contact him on another forum and see what light he can shed on it.