Lithgow III* 1941 s.n. R82176 project

[drweiler]

I have this action body/barrel with matching bolt and trigger guard group. I suppose I'm only missing a stock set, nose cap and magazine (well, sounds like a lot now!). What kind of costs would I be looking at to complete this project and how much of an investment is reasonable to break even one day? What is the value of what I have, if I decide to pass it along to someone else who has what I'm missing? I can provide photos/additional detail. Thanks for any thoughts, Don

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Australian wood will be the trickey/expensive part. BDL had some coachwood handguards a short time ago and I believe Liberty Tree Collectors has the butt. Australian forend? I gave up and used a Beechwood from BDL. I am still working on staining the wood to match. Have gotten close but am not quite there yet.

[drweiler]

Thank you Hooked. There is a Lithgow '41 stock set available in the States for $400 complete with nose cap. Do you think that's reasonable assuming no cracks/damage etc.? Were '41 Lithgow nose caps numbered to the rifle as well? Cheers, Don

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

I make no claims of expertise but in my view the $400 would be close to the value of the completed rifle. The purchase of a Coachwood forend without visual inspection is a bit of a gamble as they were prone to splitting at the rear. Many threads here about the Australian mods to prevent the splitting. The cost of my restoration without the Coachwood forend probably was probably at a loss but I concider it a labor of love. I got more enjoyment out of the project than any $s lost. The nose piece is numbered to the rifle but I have seen quite a few OA marked/unumbered nosepieces on ebay.

[RobD]

Try Springfield Sporters. I reckon you'll get the parts for under $150 - not all Australian, though.

[RJW NZ]

Patrol ebay Aus, UK and USA for wood, also trademe, they will come around for less than 200. If you look at Numrich or Springfield Sporters parts lists you'll get a good feel for prices to restore it, and you'll be surprised how cheap it can be. Most US businesses no longer ship out due to anti terror laws but Numrich was doing up to $100 until at least recently. If you find good wood on ebay make a point of asking if the seller will ship out as many will if you ask.Ebay is a very good bet for wood, and the numrich sets are also very good. There are also UK sources these days, take a look in enfield resource,com for ideas. You have a very doable project there.

[clutch5473]

My diffuculty has been finding matching wood as well. I have seen matched sets for over $200. I did buy one of the LTC Aussie #4 ones, and it matches well with a NOS reddish walnut forearm from Numrich on my 2A1.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

My BDL Beech forearm was reasonably close I think I have found some alcohol based stain that is the ticket. Have my fingers crossed.

[Bindi2]

Lithgow never used R as a prefix. Is it a poorly stamped B, what date is on the action and barrel.

[drweiler]

Right you are Bindi2, thanks, under better light and magnification it is certainly a 'B' on the action body above the serial number, 1941 on the wrist, barrel stamp appears to be 2 '45, 5 is faint. While the barrel is profusely stamped, there is no s.n. on the barrel. Cheers, Don