Looking to restore 1942 no. 4 mk1* long branch please help

[jmoore]

I'm wondering if it wouldn't just be worth a bit of elbow grease to see if the exposed areas will clean up acceptably without a refinish.
Much of the worst areas will be covered when the rifle is reassembled. Often light rust can be made to blend in with some 0000 steel wool. (And a steam bath, at times.)

It depends on whether you mind a bit of an "experienced" air or if you want something more "factory fresh". Some of my favorite rifles LOOK rather tired, but they are really outstanding shooters.
Refinished weapons just don't seem to linger in my collection! Just never quite satisfactory, somehow.

[SGTHurley]

What number bolt head do you have? Unless you are on, I believe, a number three already you can simply get a thicker bolt head to modify the headspace. As to the other rebuild questions, I have completed 5 so far. The previous poster was correct about Springfield Sporters. They used to offer DP stamped wood that came complete with metal, some of which was also stamped DP. The stamps in the wood could be steamed out and all of the stocks I got turned out very nice after getting all the preservative out of the wood. There are numerous ways to do that, there probably is a sticky on it here. I haven't looked. The Enfields are some smooth bolt actions and usually accurate as well. As to value, I just ordered a good to very good from SOG for $179 with handpick. So it will be easy to get more into the restoration than it is worth commercially. On the other hand you will have the satisfaction of having restored the old rifle to it's original configuration. BTW, in looking at your action I didn't see the buttstock bolt spring, washer and oil washer (most of mine were leather and you could make your own). I have heard different stories about the leather washer, it was to help prevent rust, it was to help absorb shock. I don't know what the real story is. Just, when you assemble the buttstock onto the action make sure the bolt does not protrude to far through the socket and interfere with the action or touch the wood. It can actually split your stock if it does. Hope this helps and I will be glad to provide what assistance my experience will allow if you proceed with the build. If you choose not too I might consider tackling another as I still have some spare parts around here somewhere. Bill aka Sarge.

[DaveN]

Aren't milsurps people great!! thanks sarge from a former sarge.

[SGTHurley]

I checked the reich site today and he is showing both MkI and MkII stock sets if that helps anybody.

[tbonesmith]

I checked the reich site today and he is showing both MkI and MkII stock sets if that helps anybody.

What's the address of this site?

[SGTHurley]

Reich Sorry, I should have not assumed it was known. The postings may be outdated and the only way to know is to email him I guess. The parts (restoring, bolts, stocks, etc.) are near the bottom. Good luck. Sarge.