First restoration/ Enfield mk1/2

[WClark]

This is my first rifle restoration of any sort. I know this is in rough shape but I got it free (minus the bolt) so I figure I'll see what I can do with it. It has already been partially restored/butchered? and I don't want to make anything any worse. I know the #'s don't match and it's not in the best shape so it will never be worth a lot but I'd like to get it where I could fire it a bit and hang it on the wall without being embarrassed. I've tried to do a little research on the markings but it's like finding a needle in a haystack. All I know for certain so far is that it is a No. 4 mk1/2 and it was refurbished in 1950. I know the arrow means that it was made for the British Army but most of the other markings I have no idea about.

During the prior partial restoration I know the wood and metal was boiled in water to remove the old preservative. Maybe not what I would have done but it's what I've been given. Obviously some sanding has been done also.
My questions at this point are:
1.) With what, and how, would you refinish the furniture at this point?
2.) I found references to the original metal being both blued and/or painted. Which would be historically more accurate and what product would you reccommend?
3.) Any reccommendations on how to remove the rust from hard to reach places in the receiver?
4.) I'm assuming the rear site that has the thumb screw broken off is beyond repair so any advice on where to find a replacement?
5.)Any thing you would absolutely or absolutely not do with a rifle in this condition?

Many photos of this rifle can be viewed on photobucket Enfield No4 MK1-2 pictures by WClark_bucket - Photobucket

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Thanks in advance for any help. Sorry if any of these questions seem obvious but this is my first attempt at restoration.

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.

[tbonesmith]

How is the barrel in it?
Those FTR'd to mk2 at Fazackerley were finished by phosphating and painting with a product called suncorite which was then baked to a very hard finish. Very hard to come by, as I'm finding.
You could refinish the stock set with linseed oil(boiled), which would be an improvement, but whatever you do, you will have a rifle that has been beat up and sanded and thrashed a bit.
So I would not approach this project with and objective of restoring the rifle to a pristine state, but rather to get the most out of the components you have in the rifle. Replacing only that required to achieve good functionality, and not spending too much.
I'd strip the receiver of all parts, and clean the receiver and all small parts of any rust and/or grease with very fine steel wool, then I'd degrease and paint the lot ( with the exception of the sear, trigger contact areas,bolt head, and bolt forward of the handle) with some good quality epoxy based black satin or mat spray paint.
I'd also just clean the wood with solvents and steel wool and wipe it quite a few times with pale boiled linseed oil.
I know it won't be original, but you will never get that rifle to be like new, with this treatment, you can have a respectable looking shooter in less than a day, and it will cost you about $20 for some linseed oil and a can of spray paint.
You can get the sight pretty easy, look on ebay.
You should also if you havn't done so already have the headspace checked before you use it.

[WClark]

How is the barrel in it?
Those FTR'd to mk2 at Fazackerley were finished by phosphating and painting with a product called suncorite which was then baked to a very hard finish. Very hard to come by, as I'm finding.
You could refinish the stock set with linseed oil(boiled), which would be an improvement, but whatever you do, you will have a rifle that has been beat up and sanded and thrashed a bit.
So I would not approach this project with and objective of restoring the rifle to a pristine state, but rather to get the most out of the components you have in the rifle. Replacing only that required to achieve good functionality, and not spending too much.
I'd strip the receiver of all parts, and clean the receiver and all small parts of any rust and/or grease with very fine steel wool, then I'd degrease and paint the lot ( with the exception of the sear, trigger contact areas,bolt head, and bolt forward of the handle) with some good quality epoxy based black satin or mat spray paint.
I'd also just clean the wood with solvents and steel wool and wipe it quite a few times with pale boiled linseed oil.
I know it won't be original, but you will never get that rifle to be like new, with this treatment, you can have a respectable looking shooter in less than a day, and it will cost you about $20 for some linseed oil and a can of spray paint.
You can get the sight pretty easy, look on ebay.
You should also if you havn't done so already have the headspace checked before you use it.

Thanks for the advice.

The barrel is in excellent condition. I was thinking of bluing the metal parts but given your comments I think I'll take your advice and paint them. I'll definately have the headspace checked before I fire it.

Thanks again.

[JBS]

This was a recovery I did last year. The customer was very happy.
No4 MkI Recovery / Refurbish

[Harlan (Deceased)]

I'd imagine the customer was elated when he saw the finished product!

I very much appreciate people who have the skills and save old rifles like this one for generations to come.
Outstanding work, JBS.

[JBS]

Clark, drop me a PM if you want some details.