MLM MK II*-minor resto

[smle addict]

I wouldn't call this a restoration; more of a minor correction back to it's original configuration. This rifle came to me four months ago. I was at my local range and an older gentleman saw that I was shooting a couple of No4 T's. We struck up a conversation about old guns (he was shooting an 1898 Krag) when he mentioned he had a Lee Metford. He asked if I knew what a lee metford was and I told him I did. He explained it was a MLM MK II* made by Sparkbrook. I asked if he was interested in selling it. He did say he was considering it, but did warn there were a few things wrong with it, like a recoil pad installed where the brass buttplate used to be, and a few missing items. I told him this was not an issue, as I had a few spare Long Lee pieces in my parts bin, including a Long Lee butt stock. We exchanged numbers, and parted ways.

In May, I received a text from him with several pictures of the MLM Mk II*. It was missing it's dust cover, proper chained magazine, the handguard, and of course, the modified butt. The loop that used to hold the chained mag was broken off. We agreed on $800 and it came home with me. Here it is at my house:

A matching numbers Sparkbrook MLM Mk II* produced in 1896, and overhauled by the Plymouth Naval Depot in 1913. Heck, even the rear sight still matches!

Fortunately for me, I have been hoarding a small batch of Long Lee parts. When I pulled the rifle apart, I found something unusual; the buttstock, noscap and forend were numbered to one another, presumably when it was overhauled (?)


So with that in mind, I set about fitting a spare brass buttplate to the original stock. I wanted to keep as much of the original pieces as I could. The worst part was, the previous gunsmith had cut the stock off flat to install the recoil pad. Once removed, I spent several hours re-contouring the cut end so it would accept an original buttplate. Once fitted, I had to file down the edges of the plate to match the stock, which also involved removing a small amount of wood. Several coats of stain and RLO got it just about right.

It had a late war Lithgow SMLE magazine installed. This was swapped for the proper chained magazine and trigger guard assembly. I had a genuine Sparkbrook manufactured dust cover I have been hanging onto for at least 10 years. That went on, as did a spare handguard.


So here it is, before and after:

[browningautorifle]

Nice piece. I remember when they cost $800 in original condition with bayonet...some time ago now. Nice...

[oldfoneguy]

Outstanding both as a find and restoration. Did you loose much in the length of pull adapting the brass butt plate? I admire your desire to keep the original buttstock in place.

[smle addict]

Thanks for that. I lost just under 1/2 inch of stock. Thankfully, the gunsmith who installed the pad cut back just enough wood to get a flat mounting surface, then added a (approximately) 7/16 inch pad. It took some patience and lots of sanding, then measuring. The end of the butt flare tapers wider, so when I fit the butt plate, there was excess brass on both sides.

[Salt Flat]

Sometimes picking up those spare parts really pays off. Excellent work all the way around . Salt Flat

[Singer B]

This thread is perfectly timed.I saw one of these at my local gunshop yesterday here in So Cal. It fascinated me but it looked like Bubba had gotten there first. The stock has been sporterized and stained/varnished. I did some searching last night but couldn't find any replacement wood for it. Is there any out there or is the wood and metal bits and pieces difficult to find? Thank you!

[BVZ24]

I'm waiting on wood from Ross Rifle Restoration, they should be cutting sets this week if you get an order in before then. I'll give an impression when I get it.

[smle addict]

Your best bet is to check out Ross Rifle Restoration. They list a long lee stock replacement set for $375. The other small parts show up every now and again on the various auction sites. Sometimes, some of the forum members are able to come up with a piece or two, if asked. Just be advised, it may not be a cheap endeavor.

Here is their link (I am not affiliated with this company, but have heard good things):

Ross Rifle Restoration

Keep us updated on that!

*make sure the barrel is not cut down either. If it is, I'd steer clear

[Singer B]

Thank you!

[BVZ24]

Received the Ross Resto stock today and compared it to an original stock.
Like the Prestigious stocks, the stock is generously oversized and appears to be upper mid grade walnut. Overall, quality is comparable to Prestigious, with some things that are better, and some that are worse.

The good:
The forestock is fairly close to the original stock in exterior profile and cut placement. It generally has a nice grain. It is oversized which should help with fit.
The butt is the correct shape and profile, and appears to be cut in standard length. The pistol grip has a sharp corner and an even cut. The buttplate should fit with little effort, and like the forestock, the butt is oversized.
The handguard profile is close to original.

The bad:
The forestock has some knots and rot that were not avoided when it was cut. Hopefully this sands out. It is also 1/8" short when compared to the poor condition original, but appears to eyeball close to the nice original.
The butt has a small chip at the bottom of the plate. This will result in the plate overhanging if I over sand.

The ugly:
The forestock inletting is very sloppy. Little attention was made to the draws and recoil lug. I will need to epoxy bed this stock.
The handguard overall seems close to the original but is not oversized as much as the other pieces. They installed the clip and rivets, which may make fitting more difficult, but more importantly, the rivets are far from the appearance of the originals.

The parts overall compare to:
Forestock - Prestigious
Butt - NOS Australian SMLE
Handguard - Sarco repro