Lee Speed from BSA and I need info

I know this rifle does not fit the precise definition of, "military surplus" but I thought I might try and draw some information about this rifle from a knowledgeable group.

The rifle is one I picked up in trade and for some reason it spoke to me as Lee pattern rifles often do. This is what I have been able to gather, a Lee Speed No.1 Pattern Sporting Rifle. Everything seems to be intact and well used but not abused. The rifle came out of a collection of African rifles collected by a fella in California who has passed. What else I know is limited, the 5 round magazine seems weak and barely feeds rounds but it will with some coaxing. The spring is a very simple c shaped spring and is not the typical v shape folded type spring. Other than a very old magazine that needs an overhaul the rest of the gun seems ok. It chambers and extracts fine and headspace seems to check out.

I have not removed the stock yet to observe coditions under the wood line and to look for marks and or dates but above the wood line there are the normal plethora of British proofs and numbers which seem different than most military proofs. So, please help with information and pointers, possible dates of manufacture and even what generation of .303 ammo is correct for use in the rifle. I was told Mk VII would be ok but will handload way down on this one to start with. Thanks!

Oh yeah, feel free to migrate or delete this thread if it violates rules or definition guidelines.:sos:

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Mag spring is correct for early Lee Speeds, the same type as fitted to the Long Lee Enfield rifles and the cavalry carbine. Sounds like you need to replace yours as it has become weak over the last hundred plus years. Lovely rifle with elegant lines.

Thanks for the info, figured the spring was weak and now have to find one. I also think the feed lip, left front of mag is worn and may need built back up. Will let you know how it goes.
:wave:

Hopefully you can put it to some use yet! Slick little hunting rifles they are.

Thats a strange mix of rifles you have there.
I see a lee speed commercial rifle fitted with a mk3 forend and barrel band and a sporting butt stock of unknown origin.

To get that barrel band on there they would have removed the original front sight. From the pics I cant see the front site clear enough to see if its original

Ok, how do you remove the dust cover from the bolt? Seems straight forward but it's not moving.

The rear edge of the dust cover fits in a slot on top of the bolt just in front of the cocking piece.

mtbiker: one of mine required some firm tapping with a brass drift to slide it out from the retaining lugs (while lifting the end out of the grooves). Any chance of a few more photos of markings?

Ridolpho

I tried to get some pictures of the proof marks but they turned out pi$$ poor. What I have learned, right or wrong is that it has been worked over a time or two since the time of its production. It has been rebarreled at some point with a No.1 MkIII barrel, has a reshaped military fore stock and a after market butt stock. From the looks of it it seems all repairs are old and were done very well or so it would seem. I did not remove dust cover to find distributor's marks as I did not want to damage it and getting it back on is a nightmare according to some. On the plus side mechanically and even visually it is a pleasing gun to handle. The action and the dust cover along with the trigger guard and magazine have very nice scroll work that looks like an ivy vine. I have been told also that it is a post 1914 manufacture since it lacks the Lee Speed patent markings on the wrist area. So, did I get a pristine Lee Speed? Nah... I knew that going into it. Does it have the been there done that been on the back of an elephant look, yep. NOW comes the question since it is a "bitser". No way I will ever find original parts but do I redo it with new parts to make it look better or leave it alone with its well earned bumps and bruises? Like an old farm tool it was repaired to keep it functional as a working gun, perhaps a guide. According to the family it came out of Africa to the US in the late 40s.

Many years ago, a bunch of these, or similar appeared in Australia.

Several were "De Luxe' models with top ribs on the barrels, fancy express sights, tasteful engraving and stock carving.

The one I found most interesting was the one in 7 x 57 calibre. I suspect that this meant 7 x 57 Rimmed, but who knows.

Most of that collection were marked with "Army and Navy Store" or similar. This was an "outfitter" for enthusiastic military gentlemen. See:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_%2...ted_Kingdom%29

I have heard rumours of them being chambered for 6.5 x 54Rimmed (Dutch / Romanian) as well.

Anyone else seen such critters?

Thanks Bruce, that's interesting. I read something similar here on the web over the last couple of days. I may have to work more on that dust cover to seem some markings.

if all the metal work is in good condition a better set of wood will make a big difference.
I can provide you with pictures of what the wood should look like on the top grade rifle. I would not worry that the barrel has been changed if its done properly also with the barrel being changed lucky they used the original rear sight but the front sight will be too high if its a mk3 front sight. I can provide a pic of what the front sight should look like and they are available from sources in England. so as it is you have a good rifle with alot of potential. what butt plate is on it? the original would have been engraved steel

so basically you have a good lee sporting rifle of value that will benefit from the correct front sight and a decent set of wood

Thanks E, that's what I wanted to hear! Front sight was lowered compared to my stock No.1s. Butt plate is engraved blued steel that matches the dust cover with a trapdoor like all Enfields there is still a brass oiler and pull trough in there that also look older than dirt. So yes, I need wood and the eyelet sling attachments and I understand it will be a job for a gunsmith to silver solder the front one on the barrel if I can find these things.:) She has a ton of crown over BM proofs and she seems legit just well used. This rifle just sings history to me and quite frankly I passed her up a dozen times before I finally went back and got her. I really do need to quit buying the project guns though. Thanks again!

To answer the other fellas, no have not measured the barrel but 99% sure it is a No.1 MkIII barrel and the reshaped fore stock may have very well came from the same doner rifle back in the day. It is a serviceable rifle that could use restoration to get it back to the original as new configuration and that may be near impossible with the lack of stock replacement and other small bits. What I think I may do is part this rifle and a Lithgow MkIII rifle out for parts to those that might be interested. Dust covers and factory 5 round magazines are not easy to find and the other more common parts may be helpful to others. Let me know.

I sent you a PM about getting the whole rifle off you. just waiting on your reply

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bruce_in_Oz

Many years ago, a bunch of these, or similar appeared in Australia.

Several were "De Luxe' models with top ribs on the barrels, fancy express sights, tasteful engraving and stock carving.

The one I found most interesting was the one in 7 x 57 calibre. I suspect that this meant 7 x 57 Rimmed, but who knows.

Most of that collection were marked with "Army and Navy Store" or similar. This was an "outfitter" for enthusiastic military gentlemen. See:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_%2...ted_Kingdom%29

I have heard rumours of them being chambered for 6.5 x 54Rimmed (Dutch / Romanian) as well.

Anyone else seen such critters?

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Did you actually see one in 7x57, or just hear about it? I'm eager to know if there is any evidence of those being made (outside of an ad or catalog ).

Thanks

E, I just responded to your PM, sorry, I never get those things so I never think to look for them.