Siamese Contract SMLE Restoration

[BushyFromOz]

It's very unlikely that dry rot has got to the lower handguard when the remainder of the wood was drenched in oily stuff. It MUST be worth removing the retainer spring, degrease the wood, patch it and reassemble properly.

I will have a look at it in any case peter. The lower handguard i suspect is not from this stockset. Very different grain and cross section, possibly sanded thin in the past And may have been glued together before as well. The timber is white and powedry beneath the spring, almost crumbles when touched. I might keep this aside and when the time comes to slip-patch something else, use this as the test bed

[BushyFromOz]

So, i counted my chickens before the eggs hatched, the rifle i was going to restore, despite the fact i had paid for it, was withdrawn from sale before ownership was transferred to me. I have been given an absolutely rusted out wreck of a Siamese contract SMLE that i can get for a pittance and turn it into a decent deactivated wall hanger. might be an opportunity for some learning on slow rust bluing and tig welding. Will have to sleep on it. The upside is it will cost SFA and it has a great coachwood fore end on it. If anything, its cheap parts.

[Peter Laidler]

Hey......... the glass is half FULL. Even if it's a shot out heap, you've still got a relatively rare rifle for bugger all - an they ain't makin' no more so they're made of unobtanium. You should see the state of some of the old shot out, clapped No32's that are out there.

[BushyFromOz]

Hey......... the glass is half FULL. Even if it's a shot out heap, you've still got a relatively rare rifle for bugger all - an they ain't makin' no more so they're made of unobtanium. You should see the state of some of the old shot out, clapped No32's that are out there.

That's now the plan, a nice wall hanger for our new house in the future. Also a learning tool for re-bluing some old sporters that belonged to my great grandad. Its still a good project.

But alas, yesterday, i dislocated my left knee, im off my pegs for a few weeks now =(

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

But alas, yesterday, i dislocated my left knee, im off my pegs for a few weeks now =(

OUCH!
Get well soon.