No1 Mk1 3* Restoration

Good afternoon folks,
Look what came in the mail! I have just aquired my first No1mk1 3* which is in desperate need of love. I picked this up at a very reasonable price. I know it will be next to impossible to find the correct stock to replace it, but I do have a No1Mk3 forend, handguards and buttstock that are not currently being used. I haven't tried fitting it up yet, but I can't imagine it will take too much work. I also managed to find a No1Mk1 nose cap which is on the way.

Now for some questions. I have read in some of the threads here that ER marked rifles were the most common to be sent to Ireland post WWI, and most G's were converted to grenade launchers. My rifle has the ER scratched out and a faint G is marked on top of the receiver. The bolt is also G marked, though not matching. There are also three sets of different serial numbers. What gives?

In the matter of sourcing parts, I am in need of a charger adapter for the bolt head. I do not think it has been permanently modified, but I'm not sure. There is also a question as to the correct cross screw for the nose cap. I know there are several variations...

I have also ordered an early model rear sight protector for the No1Mk3. I have seen some versions of the 3* that use this sight protector, though usually they are the ones that have charger bridges and are marked CR.

I know this won't be a perfect resto, but these rifles were bitsers since the war anyway. I'm trying to restore it in spirit more than anything. Any and all advice is welcome.

http://imgur.com/gallery/q1Ofu8b

From my limited knowledge the "Irish" Mark 1*** rifles were re-numbered with the second number and prefix ER and CR prefix. The ER prefix rifles were basically unchanged while the CR pre fix rifles were rebuilt with Mark 111 parts and wood to different degrees.

The G prefix (often the third serial number) were for grenade launching except some G pre fix rifles had the wrap removed or restocked and became standard rifles. My photo show a G 839 serial number that was changed back to a standard rifle, there are still faint marks on the handguard from the wire wrap. When Mark 111 fore-ends were used sometimes patches were used and the front hand guard modified insideAttachment 100255

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Originally Posted by RCS

From my limited knowledge the "Irish" Mark 1*** rifles were re-numbered with the second number and prefix ER and CR prefix. The ER prefix rifles were basically unchanged while the CR pre fix rifles were rebuilt with Mark 111 parts and wood to different degrees.

The G prefix (often the third serial number) were for grenade launching except some G pre fix rifles had the wrap removed or restocked and became standard rifles. My photo show a G 839 serial number that was changed back to a standard rifle, there are still faint marks on the handguard from the wire wrap. When Mark 111 fore-ends were used sometimes patches were used and the front hand guard modified insideAttachment 100255

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Thank you for that bit of knowledge. When you say modified inside,how do you mean? Between the "ears"? Also, do you know if a standard mk3 magazine cutoff will work, or was there a purpose made Mk1 cutoff?

There's a charger guide listed on fleabay right now for a hundred bucks. It's the only one I've seen for awhile.

I'm in the process of rebuilding a trashed G-prefix Mk I*** and have been able to source all the parts, including a forestock, so they are out there! Keep an eye on the auction sites!

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Originally Posted by 303 Gunner

There's a charger guide listed on fleabay right now for a hundred bucks. It's the only one I've seen for awhile.

I'm in the process of rebuilding a trashed G-prefix Mk I*** and have been able to source all the parts, including a forestock, so they are out there! Keep an eye on the auction sites!

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Thanks for the heads up! How can I tell if my bolt face had been modified in any way? I want to make sure if I drop some money on a part, that it will fit.

You may find some of the bits you need here
Lee Enfield rifles for sale - EFD Rifles - the Lee Enfield rifle specialists
Rob

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Originally Posted by Agambard1990

Thanks for the heads up! How can I tell if my bolt face had been modified in any way? I want to make sure if I drop some money on a part, that it will fit.

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I’ll take some photos of my Mk I bolt heads once I get home from work. You should be able to use them for reference.

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Originally Posted by 303 Gunner

I’ll take some photos of my Mk I bolt heads once I get home from work. You should be able to use them for reference.

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Thank you very much! I was looking over the bolt head this morning again and I believe it looks unaltered, but I have burned myself before making similar assumptions. Bubba knows no bounds when it comes to butchering...

As an aside, I did a little work cleaning her this morning and I must say the bluing is pretty damn good for a 114 year old rifle. Very happy overall so far.

I have also reached out to EFD to see what they have available. I have a funny feeling that this is going to turn in to a much more to extensive project than I previously intended, but isn't that how it goes?

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Originally Posted by Agambard1990

Thank you very much! I was looking over the bolt head this morning again and I believe it looks unaltered, but I have burned myself before making similar assumptions. Bubba knows no bounds when it comes to butchering...

As an aside, I did a little work cleaning her this morning and I must say the bluing is pretty damn good for a 114 year old rifle. Very happy overall so far.

I have also reached out to EFD to see what they have available. I have a funny feeling that this is going to turn in to a much more to extensive project than I previously intended, but isn't that how it goes?

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Here are some photos of one of my Mk I*** bolt heads, as promised.

Unfortunately I believe the gentleman who ran EFD passed away a couple of years ago. It would make restorations so much easier if resources like him were still around.

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Originally Posted by 303 Gunner

Here are some photos of one of my Mk I*** bolt heads, as promised.

Unfortunately I believe the gentleman who ran EFD passed away a couple of years ago. It would make restorations so much easier if resources like him were still around.

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Thank you for the pics. It looks like bolt head has been spared by bubba. I did get an email back from the folks at EFD, might be able to get some stuff from them. I wish I was collecting Enfields ten years ago. Always clearer in hindsight.

Oh cool! I happily stand corrected on that one. I have some things I've been hunting that are listed on their website so I'll definitely be reaching out to them. Thanks!

Is there a good way to replace the ears on a handguard? I have one with the ears chopped off,but would like to replace them if possible. I'm thinking small brass rod and acraglas on some small bits of walnut. Has anyone had any success with that?