A No.4 T for 20 bucks

[jonh172]

This will be an interesting build, one thing I would do before even getting pads, bolt bodies and the like is to check the receiver over with a fine tooth comb to ensure there is nothing wrong with it same with the barrel if alls well then full steam ahead. I would just hate to see dollars poured into it just to find something was missed and thats the reason it was in the $20 bucket.
Good score well done anyway........

I have some cerrosafe here to do a chamber casting and it looks like there's some slight vice marks on the receiver and wrench marks on the barrel, so I'll be sure check the barrel index also.
The metal itself is in decent shape showing no rust or pitting on the receiver and some surface rust on the barrel only.
I have parkerizing tanks here also so I'll be sure to give her a fresh look.

It wasn't so much in the 20 dollar bucket as it just belonged to someone who gave zero sh!t$ about it.

[CINDERS]

Hmmm vice marks and wrench marks that sets the alarm bells going as the Lee action is notoriously weak longitudinally to twisting and its a piece of pi$$ to wreck the action if you do not use the correct tools for the job to remove & replace the barrel, obviously Bubba has flown in some where, I hope the action is sound.

[Gil Boyd]

Jon,
Good find there. Looks like it has given great service to someone, and really good to see it being resurrected by someone who cares about its historical prestige in the Milsurps world.

Good luck with it and keep the photos coming as she progresses as a reborn service rifle.
You never know, whilst someone is going through their records they may even find some background to provide a little provenance!

[Roger Payne]

Maybe someone with better eyesight than mine can confirm, but it looks like the serial number prefix is AT, which is also spot on for a lateish 43 rifle.

[CINDERS]

Correct Roger it is AT 3758

[jonh172]

Hmmm vice marks and wrench marks that sets the alarm bells going as the Lee action is notoriously weak longitudinally to twisting and its a piece of pi$$ to wreck the action if you do not use the correct tools for the job to remove & replace the barrel, obviously Bubba has flown in some where, I hope the action is sound.

Looks like whoever tried to remove the barrel gave up rather quickly, the action is not twisted and the vice marks are light, they'll come right out.

---------- Post added at 10:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:33 AM ----------

Jon,
Good find there. Looks like it has given great service to someone, and really good to see it being resurrected by someone who cares about its historical prestige in the Milsurps world.

Good luck with it and keep the photos coming as she progresses as a reborn service rifle.
You never know, whilst someone is going through their records they may even find some background to provide a little provenance!

I certainly hope to do it justice!
I want this back to as close to original as I Can, I won't skimp out on repro parts and will take pictures as I go.
I will start a new thread for it as work progresses.

---------- Post added at 10:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 AM ----------

Maybe someone with better eyesight than mine can confirm, but it looks like the serial number prefix is AT, which is also spot on for a lateish 43 rifle.

Yessir, AT prefix

[Peter Laidler]

There is an EMER Miscellaneous Instruction to detect a twisted body. But, alas, there is no repair standard!

[mrclark303]

I think we are all crossing our fingers and hope the receivers in good order. What a great find!

Hopefully its just one of those rifles that's been stripped down years ago as a potential sporting rifle build that never got underway.

[jonh172]

There is an EMER Miscellaneous Instruction to detect a twisted body. But, alas, there is no repair standard!

Have you any of that info I could look up?
My not so scientific method will be to compare it to a couple other receivers I have in the form of eyeballing them from behind....

[jonh172]

Got a message from a true gent offering me a set of pads if he can locate them!
I wish him all the luck in his quest!!

If he comes up empty handed, I've sent an inquiry to Fultons of Bisley if they have a set available.