Printable View
This "sporterized" rifle was give to me to clean and determine whether it is safe to shoot. Can someone tell me what it was before the changes? And, how do I remove the bolt? I searched the Lee-Enfield forum but without the correct model number, I could not find any pictures to identify it by. This bolt doesn't seem to work like the later version.
Also, I assume that one in this poor of condition has no chance of being restored to it's original state.
Any information appreciated.
Hank
If you aren't a gunsmith with appropriate gauges and experience and training...how do you intend to determine if it's safe to shoot?
Its a SMLE No1 M111* , bolt removal quite straight forward, operate bolt as you would to load but leave in the rear position, the bolt head can then be lifted up (it will require some force as it retained by a spring) once up the whole bolt can be removed.
Condition wise it looks ok from the pics.....
I plan to rent the appropriate gauges and check the headspace. I'll clean the bore and do a visual inspection. If I can find disassembly instruction, I'll take the bolt apart and make sure the firing pin is moving freely. I have done some work with older military rifle, but primarily the ones used by the USA.Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
If there are any specific areas I should check, please tell me what they are.
The specific areas you should check would take several pages - and pages - and pages - and......... At least you're honest enough to tell us that you are an amateur when it comes to Enfields. What do you want to achieve? A good reliable hunting rifle or revert it back to a military spec No1 rifle? If it's the latter, you are in for a loooooong haul.
Enfields were never from the 'just change parts' era and virtually everything is selective or hand fitting. To be honest, it just ain't the rifle to learn on. Just my opinion based on nothing more than having learned it!
My friend purchase it to use as a hunting rifle. I was curious about the ease (or not) of restoring it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter Laidler
If there are safety concerns even though headspace is within acceptable limits, I will advise my friend to not fire the rifle and be done with it. No reason for me to rent headspace gauges if there could be other issues I'm not capable of checking, and absolutely no reason for me to advise him to fire the rifles if there is any possibility of him being injured.
pastprime: Many of these are sporterized by having the barrel chopped, in addition to the woodwork. If the barrel is original length then "restoration" to original appearance could certainly be done but.....fitting a new forend (as Mr. Laidler indicates) is not a simple bolt-on process. As far as safety to shoot, you should be able to locate someone with the expertise to check basic condition and functionality. Lots of people still use these; they're not rare by any stretch.
Ridolpho
Looks like the bolt, body and barrel have matching numbers.
When I get them with matching numbers I look them over, clean if needed, sand bag them on a bench and test fire with long string. Then I inspect the cartridge case for swelling and/or cracks. Not saying you or anyone else should do this, just saying what I do.
It’s a whole different story if the numbers don’t match.
If the numbers on the bolt are different than the numbers on the body, I use a really long string and hide behind my truck when I pull it. ;)
It is a BSA, Birmingham Small Arms Co. Enfield No1 Mk3 !.................
A gunsmith at your local (if you have one in your town) would be able to give it the once over very quickly, the personnel on this web site collectively have probably 5-600 years experience but without having access to the rifle to investigate whether it is suitable to fire can only point you towards having a competently trained person to look it over. I have never heard of "renta gauge" I had a machinist turn up some for me .064, .067 and .074 the 74 one being get it sorted as there are head space problems. Vincent is on the track of a visual I do not know about the string routine but !
My rule of thumb is to get it checked by a person who is qualified and experienced if we get into the he said she said and it goes south on your mate or you then all sorts of things happen if you get my drift. And no one here will pass that weapons serviceability with out being able to physically check the weapon over.........