Sporterized No.4 T value ??

[pastprime]

I think that it is fair to say that you have indeed struck oil.

Now say to yourself a thousand times again "I AM NOT IN A HOLE. I AM SITTING ON A GOLD MINE....."

Very well. I agree I'm not in a hole. It does appear to be a genuine No. 4 (T) thanks to yours and all the other information I see here.

My next thing is to make a list of what I need for a repo-restoration and the approximate cost. There is no way I could do an original. I'm retired and this fixed income thing is not exactly what I imagined....

This would be one of the most challenging projects I've undertaken and I need to be sure I'm up to the commitment. The enjoyment of learning about and working on the rifle must exceed the monetary outlay.

Information

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[Badger]

This would be one of the most challenging projects I've undertaken and I need to be sure I'm up to the commitment. The enjoyment of learning about and working on the rifle must exceed the monetary outlay.

I'm sure we'd all love to see you save this old girl and document your restoration process here for all of us to follow along ...

Regards,
Doug

[PrinzEugen]

Looks pretty good to me - still got pads - how much was it - $100??? Either way it's the kind of thing that doesn't come around very often!

[ssj]

I'd start with reading whats on this site and there are a few books....you dont need to rush out an buy all the parts at once, so shop for the right bit at a good price. I really find the research interesting.....myself....

SMLE Accessories | Numrich Gun Parts

Is not a bad start IMHO.

Here's a bolt for instance $33,

Bolt, Stripped Gun Parts | 486630 | Numrich Gun Parts

Now whether its the right one is the magic Q. looks like the head you have is stamped and original maybe.

parts schematic,

PARTS LIST - NO 4 Accessories | Numrich Gun Parts

A stock set but you want a British one and not say a Savage made one,

Stock Set, Original - - Gun Parts | 502850 | Numrich Gun Parts

On the butt stock at the front, no stampings at all?

[Peter Laidler]

An even better idea, go to Brian at BDL Ltd and see what he's got by way of parts you need. Also, you'll be supporting a supporter of the forum that's already helped you loads. He'll probably be best to CHS, fit and then assemble the bolt PROPERLY. Then number it. In respect of the bolt, DON'T listen to your local gun shop.

I know a lot of people think that I spout a load of crap, but let me tell you that we saw hundreds of these rifles in all sorts of states and conditions in our small and large Armourers shops, worked on by hundreds of Armourers across the whole age and experience spectrum. And guess what........ I NEVER, ever, never in my whole life saw or heard of a real Armourer sifting through trays of parts for the 'correct' maker. You took and selectively fitted or fine fitted and/or adjusted whatever you had. But even better than that, I never, ever saw or heard of a sniper or user come in to complain that we'd used a mix of parts either. I saw plenty come in and say thanks for the good job though

Just my 2c's worth

[pastprime]

Thank you for all of the comments and advice. It is valued and appreciated.

I left a message with Brian yesterday and hope he will return my call soon. When I made my "want list" of parts yesterday I used the prices from Numrich's. They don't always have the nicest parts but they do have a straight forward return policy.

I have read a lot here the past few days about the fitting of parts and agree there are some things that will be best left to those with the correct tools and more expertise. I have installed a new bolt in an older rifle and Peter's instructions for the bolt fitting are excellent but I would have to purchase items I would probably only use once. Hopefully, Brian can help with this.

The project will begin, albeit slowly, to bring the rifle back to shooting condition in it's original configuration. Pictures will be posted as things progress. Feel free to critique and advise as you see fit.

Hank

[mrbungle]

brian at BDL is the way to go. he has all kinds of parts you need. he found all my parts i needed for my no 4 mk 2 restoration and my long branch.



and if you don't want to fool with it , sell it to me and i will restore it......

[Peter Laidler]

If it was mine and I was in your shoes, I would send the bare body and barrel to BRian and tell him to build you up a new bolt, test, adjust, CHS and fit it, then number it and THEN bead blast the whole thing, phosphate it and then paint it. And then send the whole thing back to you but fitted with the serviceable bits that were on it PLUS fit replacement parts for the duff bits.

Later, you can have a go at fitting the fore-end and butt etc etc and setting up the trigger mechanism. All in your own time at your own pace as and when finances allow.

But thinking further ahead, you could ask him to fit a UK made CORRECT modern replacement bracket and collimate this with the bore (he can do this as he's been well schooled!). Then in a couple of years time, all you have to do is to fit your restored telescope, sight-in, zero and have fun, knowing that the important bracket, body and bore are matched