1926 Lithgow SMLE

[bigduke6]

Looking for any advce or ideas on the following from any Lithgow experts, thought I,d explain the story first,

I,d seen this advertised but couldnt get down to see it, I was also interested in a No4, anyway A forum member contacted me for an opinion as he had some photos sent of the drilled reciever (this is what put me off in the first place) the price also seemed too low, to cut a long story short I bought it because I had heard the words deact mentioned also someone I knew had seen it and said it was ok, so to me I had saved it from the chop, even if it was bad and the forum member didnt want it.
As it turned out the barrel was shot out, it was a FTR, had a new set of furniture, plus the drilled and tapped holes went into the barrel, this was the major concern to me, also the gap at the breeching up face (see pics)

I emailed the member explaining the condition etc, as you can imagine the both of us were dissapointed, I wasnt expecting a silk purse for the price but my main concern was the drilled and tapped holes, which is why I wouldnt let this go to anyone in its present condition, so another project is looming.

First thing I,d like to point out is I,m not shy of FTR rifles, in fact I like them, one because I know they have had a good bill of health at some point in there life and two, The craftmanship what goes into some of the repairs etc is a work of art.

So its A 1926 lithgow, FTR, shot out barrel, drilled and tapped reciever (holes gone through to barrel) apart from that what do I do with it? considering the year (3000 made) and is this the original barrel even though its numbered? (see pics)

If it is original do I :

1) relign barrel to.22
2) change barrel
3) as the damage is done (the holes) make a nice mount and put a period scope on and change barrel and keep as a shooter.

Information

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