Removing charger bridge

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   Regarding a #4.....would removing the charger bridge compromise any action strength ?

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ikesdad Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: May 10 2007 Location: Western Slope Status: Offline Points: 393	Post Options Post Reply Quote ikesdad Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Removing charger bridge Posted: August 18 2013 at 6:26pm
	Regarding a #4.....would removing the charger bridge compromise any action strength ?
	Pro Deo et Patria

303Guy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: July 10 2012 Location: Auckland Status: Offline Points: 495	Post Options Post Reply Quote 303Guy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: August 19 2013 at 6:01am
	Well, the original MLE had no charger bridge. The No4 was designed with the charger bridge which is integral but the basic design is the same so perhaps removing the bridge won't have any weakening effect. The recoil lug recesses are behind the bridge anyway. However, I have heard of the No5 spreading the action body behind the lug recess (and bridge).
	303Guy

LE Owner Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: December 04 2009 Status: Offline Points: 1047	Post Options Post Reply Quote LE Owner Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: August 20 2013 at 1:54am
	A number of factory sporting rifles built on surplus No.4 actions had the charger bridge removed. These rifles had the mounting for the rear aperture sights removed as well, the barrel mounted commercial rear sights were used instead. Here's an example the Parker Hale Custom No.4 http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=343823578 There's really no significant bracing action by the charger bridge. With the SMLE the material removed from the left side of the action body and the holes drilled for the rivets appears to have weakened the action slightly. When oiled or wet ammunition was used the SMLE sometimes cracked at these rivet holes. A loose charger bridge was grounds to condemn an SMLE action body. It would indicate possible cracking around the rivets or excessive spreading and snaping back.