FrankenLithgow or Fun De-sporter? (**photos)

[Arlo]

I recently purchased this SMLE No 1 Mk III* 1944 Lithgow (see pics below). The price was right, er, seemed good at the time.

I’d hoped I was onto one like 1944 ShtLE (Short Lee-Enfield) No.1 MkIII* Infantry Rifle, although I had no illusions that it was in quite such good shape.

Nevertheless, it came advertised as full wood, good bore, most parts matching, shoots fine.

On the plus side, it’s in good shape, the bore does seem very good, it cycles smoothly, the metal seems good overall (Ozzie parkerized), and the wood is pretty nice, particularly the butt stock and the front lower. Metal parts have BA and MA marks. There are a bunch of marks on the butt stock that seemed familiar and a few others elsewhere on the wood that looked promising. The handguards both looked a bit inconsistent.

However, it turns out that pretty much nothing matches (bolt, receiver, band, nose cap, etc). The main receiver serial looks like it might be one of those US Franken-Lithgows although no recognizable importer mark. The receiver’s been drilled for a scope (anyone know what kind?) and patched and has a series of three small holes drilled (bad scope work? venting?). As well, the rear hand guard is marked DP.

I’ve got some more research to do, and a happy ending will be that it’s perfectly functional but a bit of a mixmaster de-sporter.

I know that I should look for recoil pads for what appears to be soft coachwood and would love to know how to check – especially if there’s a way to do without complete disassembly.

Your thoughts most welcome. I’d appreciate any advice/deciphering from all.

See photos for the deets:

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