I think it would be a great buy. Maybe shelve it away as a long term project.

I bought a Mk 1*** just over a year ago. I wasn't sporterized, but it had a Mk III rear sight protector, and a Mk III rear sight. I got really lucky and found the early Mk 1 rear sight and handguard. The handguard I paid a premium for ($150.00). I had to repair the draws of the fore-end, and had to fill in the cuts from the Mk III sight protector. Turned out okay, I always have a hard time matching stain. Got about $800 into it, including the cost of the rifle.

Point is, it was along term resto, and it came together within a year. If you buy it, you might be able to locate the parts quicker than you think. Splicing in a fore-end to the original remnant wouldn't be too hard.

But it and have some fun!