What "should" this look like

[terryj]

I'm trying to find out what this gun looked like when it was built. I'm thinking of taking it back to original.

Cheers
Terry

Information

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[Badger]

Hi Terry ...

... and welcome ...

Although the rifle in the link below was manufactured by BSA, not LSA, it's essentially correct enough for you to see what's changed in your rifle, which has been "sporterized" at sometime in its life ...

1917 ShtLE (Short Lee-Enfield) No.1 MkIII* (click here)

I've also moved your thread to the Lee Enfield Collectors Forums where you'll probably get a broader response ...

Hope this helps ...

Regards,
Badger

[terryj]

Thank you Badger.

[jmoore]

Looks do-able! It will need a complete fore end assembly, but that shouldn't be difficult. If the bore is in good shape have at it!

[Amatikulu]

In 1917 LSA was still making the No.1 Mark III and not the No.1 Mark III* as you can see from the picture of your butt socket.

I would expect a restoration to have a magazine cut-off and a windage adjustable rear sight. A Mark III would also have a forestock inletted for a front and rear volley sight set, but I'm unsure if LSA made a hybrid Mark III later in WWI which excluded them - comments?

[Pattern14]

I would expect a restoration to have a magazine cut-off and a windage adjustable rear sight. A Mark III would also have a forestock inletted for a front and rear volley sight set, but I'm unsure if LSA made a hybrid Mark III later in WWI which excluded them - comments?

Amatikulu,
I have a 1916 LSA Mk III that has the mag cutoff and original windage rear sight but sports a non-inletted stock that is numbered to the rifle. Seemed strange to me that it would have had the stock updated without the sight replaced and cutoff removed.

Regards,
George

[Amatikulu]

On closer examination of your pictures it would sem the barrel was replaced in 1927 so the chances are that the windage adjustable sight was dropped but the magazine cut-of was retained at that time.

[bradtx]

George, Has the back sight been 'pinned', preventing adjustment?

terryj, LSA rifles have a bit of mystique to them and have been a collector's favorite for years, well worth recovering to original configuration. As, Amitikulu, mentioned the rifle recieved inter war attention. A fore end without provision for volley sights, but clearanced for the cut-off would have been installed along with a non windage adjustable back sight.

Merry Christmas, Brad

[Pattern14]

George, Has the back sight been 'pinned', preventing adjustment?

Bradtx,
No, the backsight is not pinned and functions normally. Actually, the only pinned backsights I have seen were on the Indian .303's converted to shotguns.

Regards,
George

[terryj]

Thanks for the replies, I'm learning a lot.(the wife shakes her head at me at 2am while I'm scanning the net) Does anyone have any idea where to get these parts?
Is it worth replacing the rear sight back, it shoots right on the money now, although it would give me an excuse to shoot it more.

Cheers and stay safe over the holiday season.
All the best to you and yours.