Savage Lee Enfield No.4 MKI* restoration question.

[Buster95]

I have a Savage No.4 MKI* sporter and I would like to restore it, what do you think? Worth it? The Magazine is not a Savage, the bolt knob is a little damaged, the bore is very good, bolt head size #1. Here are some pics.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Nothing wrong with that rifle. Don't worry about the bolt handle. You should be able to find Savage wood...if you have to, full wood will be easy if it doesn't matter so much to you. 2 groove barrel I'd guess?

[Buster95]

Yep 2 groove barrel.

[browningautorifle]

That's about right. Nothing wrong with it...you might be able to refurbish it by placing a WTB here...

[Seaspriter]

restore it, what do you think? Worth it

Buster, you have a very fine Sporter. It is worth restoring.

In today's market, it is worth no more than $200 USD (in Canada, adjust for conversion rate and different demand). The low value (in US) is based on the great supply and low demand for Sporters.

The good news is three-fold:
1) The gun's muzzle was not snipped so you have a full barrel to work with -- a major asset in restoration.
2) Most Sporters were taken from the best stocks of guns in the 1950s. So, generally speaking, the Sporters are in reasonably good mechanical condition.
3) Spare parts for restoration are readily available and easy to acquire (with a little patience).

When restoring the front end would, look for Savage stamps. The right wood will be BIRCH (not walnut, beech, or maple). Savage made a lot of spare replacement parts and shipped them to Great Britain during the war, so NOS (New Old Stock) is still available. Look for parts at Sarco, Numrich, or on eBay.

You should be able to find parts for about $150. When you are finished, your gun would be worth about $400-450 USD. Is it worth it? Yes. Sporters are NOT appreciating in value, but the real deals (even a restoration) are appreciating very nicely. And there is great emotional value in knowing you did the right thing for the gun, for you, and for posterity. Document all the changes you make, print out the entire process, roll it up tightly like scroll, then put it in the butt-plate hole for future generations to appreciate.

Based on the serial number, your gun was produced in February 1944, 4 months before the Savage plant ceased production.

[Salt Flat]

Buster, Nice looking rifle. I agree with the others-- go for the restoration. Actually a perfect one to restore. Just don't mess with the metal finish which is perfect as is. Salt Flat

[browningautorifle]

Just don't mess with the metal finish

Agreed, no need at all. Try placing an ad here and see what you glean before trying fishing elsewhere. The guys here at least know what you're looking for and need.

[Buster95]

Thank you for the replies

[Smellymarkfive]

Sarco have savage sets for $175. I just restored one in similar condition, the set I received was not entirely matching, the handguards were way darker. But some persistence on ebay paid off and now she looks a peach. Shoots awesome too with a mk3 micro site. Your gun will be worth the effort the finish looks good.

[gsimmons]

I have a Savage marked fore-end if interested. It's yours for the price of postage and packaging. Let me know, I'll post pictures.