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I have a sporterized BSA 1916 smle no.1 mk iii with numbers for matching barrel and receiver, a C on the bolt. It has been drilled above the stripper clip guide to mount parker a hale scope mount, has a synthetic stock, and is missing the nose cover by the muzzle. Would it be worthwhile restoring to its former glory or should I just continue to love it and shoot it as a sporter?
Worthwhile is very relative, satisfying and gratifying spring to mind first, dollar wise on your rifle it might come out to about the same as buying one complete or close to it, but a restoration is always fun and worth it and usually affordable.
Take a look at gunbroker as a guide to gun prices and condition/value.
Take a look at enfieldresource.com for enfield links to everything enfield.
If you're in the US Springfield Sporters and Numrich have excellent lists of all parts available, new and used and rebuilt, this will help you price out the cost, they both feature a schematic for no1 mk3s on a separate page from the parts list. SS don't export parts anymore, Numrich do.Ebay is a fading source of parts with the advantage of international sources, so almost anything within the rules can pop up, and if the demand is unique to your rifle you can get parts very cheap, ie sight springs, nose caps, etc etc etc, although it is hard to beat the prices at SS and Numrich.
All the best and welcome to the forum
The biggest problem is going to be the stock. I'm also looking for suitable WWI BSA stock!
Wood can be found if you look hard enough, it could probably be put back to standard but never to factory original. Given the large numbers of Sht-LE's that were rebuilt by the WW1 few are as from factory anyway.
If you want the original wood then you will want the walnut set.
I would say not worth the effort if it's been drilled and tapped unless a scarce and unusual model. Parts for restoring sporters are getting hard to find and are expensive. It would be fun to do, but worth it in the end?
"Worth it?" - financially, no.
"Worth it?" - for the learning effect, if you have never done this sort of thing before - yes.
After getting it as right as is reasonably possible - which for me means in good working condition, not antique fakery - you will have a better understanding of your Lee Enfield. And you will be able to make a more accurate judgement of the next sporter you find - which might be a Mk5 or a 4T. And knowing you have done it yourself is more satisfying than simply handing over more money.
Good luck with your project!
Patrick