Boys Anti Tank rifles for the Carriers

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by rob love

I have the earlier monopod on mine. I thought I had checked it for fit before, and it did not. I'l try it again next time I head out to the shop.

I can't see them making the operator remove the cheekrest in order to stow the rifle. Anytime you have an operator un-do screws, you lose them. They would have to have a stowage bin filled with the screws, along with bandaids for the damage the screwdriver will inevitably cause to their fingertips.

I agree, it doesn't make sense to take things apart for stowage unless there's a conflict and absolutely no other choice. Not great when you want to deploy the weapon in a hurry too. The problem is that I have the original brackets and the rifle just doesn't fit otherwise. I've considered trying it upside down with the pointy side of the cheek rest sitting on the bracket felt but I expect the cast butt piece will conflict. There would be no problem with the monopod however...

Here's pic of a similar Mk.1 carrier so I think the rear bracket is correct. Front and middle came with the carrier and can only go on one way.

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

OK, final theory (yet untested):

What about sitting the rifle on it's right side? Muzzle and middle support would work (the front even better because the foresight rubs against the stowage locker when the rifle is upright). The side of the right carriage rail would sit comfortably on the felt as it's only 1-5/8" tall. The bottom of the rifle and cheek rest would sit against the tall, left side of the bracket, explaining why it is taller than the right. The butt piece and wood grip are nicely out of the way.

By rotating the rifle on its right side the monopod might conflict with the stowage box, hence requiring storage under the battery box??? Or maybe the monopod would sit above/rest on the stowage box, but the Canadian bipod would not, hence the battery box clips?

Nice theory, but again it begs the question why, given that a small change in the bracket would allow the rifle to remain whole and accessible.

[kevin powles]

Gents, I'm sure in one of Nigel's books there is a picture of it stowed, I will look later today, I'm sure it is either stowed mounted upside down or on its side. That monopod will most defiantly not fit in the clips under the battery box.

[kevin powles]

Gents, page 231 of vol 1 Nigel's book. Comments say cover on mag out. Also noting from the picture, monopod removed.

[Lynn Eades]

Bruce, I have recently seen an early British U.C. with one of those long skinny clips on the rear deck under the battery box (been there for 74 years, I mean)

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Lynn Eades

Bruce, I have recently seen an early British U.C. with one of those long skinny clips on the rear deck under the battery box (been there for 74 years, I mean)

I'm thinking it is for the Boys bipod. Perhaps the one you saw was positioned to take the Birish 'T' version? Below I'll post pics of the Boys on its side. The monopod fits but would have to come off if you want access to the stowage locker. In Otter recce cars the bipod most certainly came off and there was a separate stowage bin for it. But in that case the Boys was to mount out the front and not be used on the ground. Carriers were designed for the lads to jump out once near the enemy and engage them like regular infantry.

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Mounted on its right side and with and without accessories (just to see what you can get away with).

[kevin powles]

Had a friend do so milling on the cast receivers. This week will assembly all the moving parts, it's been machined to almost take an original bolt. Will post some more pics up at the end of the week.

[kevin powles]

Started assembling the gun, safety, bolt release, sight second paint tomorrow.

[eddy8men]

very nice indeed

[kevin powles]

Finally finished the first Boys rifle on Father's Day, check out the YouTube link to full working action.

http://youtu.be/VvtJGbJN_wU

Safety catch applied :

http://youtu.be/dkn_DfunGdE

[eddy8men]

nice work ! i'd love to fire one on the range from the carrier

[kevin powles]

Thanks Rick, one day we will, perhaps shoot some more holes in that "crappy" Centaur lol.