Hey guys,

I've got a Yugo M48 I bought a number of years ago, and the upper handguard on mine is split right in front of the receiver. I'm wondering if I should just replace it, or attempt to fix it with a piece of brass rod, or wood glue.

If I do try to find a replacement, where should I be looking? Do standard K98 stocks for the M48?
I think the stock on this M48 is a piece of teak wood.

Thanks.

The Yugo M24, M24/47, and M48 use the same handguard.  Unfortunately, I don't know of any place with them in stock.  Keep an eye on eBay and Gunbroker.

The handguard from a K98 will not fit.  As you can see, the handguards are quite different.  The Yugo Mausers' handguard wraps all the way around the rear sight, up to the receiver, and is clipped directly to the barrel.  A K98's handguard just extends from the front of the rear sight, and is held in place with a retainer on the front of the rear sight along with the rear barrel band.
(M48 on top, K98 on bottom)
     


A Vz. 24 handguard is similar, but the dimensions are different.  It will fit on the rifle, but it won't look right, and the rear barrel band won't fit flush:

Mine split too and I just cut it off in front of the rear sight.  Looks more like a K98 now.  My biggest problem with my M48 is the bayonet lug barrel band wiggling off as I shoot.  Finally just took the thing off.

Handguard repairs are not all that hard.
This should help:


[color=#000080]Handguard repairs[/color]

How to repair a split and chipped handguard.
http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=137&t=50964

Repairing a Mauser handguard
http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=137&t=45605

How to repair, reinforce a handguard/Hakim handguard repair
http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=137&t=54813

Thanks for the responses guys.

I'm going to repair the handguard (thanks Gunny) and keep an eye out for a replacement.