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Thread: Worthwhile to Restore Sporterized No4 MK1/2

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    Legacy Member Sheppsan's Avatar
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    Worthwhile to Restore Sporterized No4 MK1/2

    Just saw a No4 Mk1/2 (originally a No4 Mk1 Maltby) for sale in a local gun shop for $190. Would appreciate any opinions as to whether it would be worthwhile returning it to mil-spec? What is there looks like it is in decent shape.

    Thanks, Shepp
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

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    It really depends on the degree of sporterisation! If the barrel has been chopped, all of the fore-end hardware missing, body drilled for a tele sight, backsight ears missing etc etc........
    More info needed for a half decent opinion

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    Legacy Member Sheppsan's Avatar
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    Mr. Laidlericon, the barrel has not been chopped and the foresight protector is still in place The action has not been drilled or changed that I can detect. Both upper hand guards are missing and the forestock has been cut halfway down the barrel. Rear sight is Mk1 as would be expected. I can get an arsenal refinished forestock from Numrich for about $30 and both hand guards for about the same. Appreciate you opinion. Also would like you to know how useful your posts have been.

    Cheers, Shepp

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    MPO is while often not a good decision $ wise but it can be a very fun project if you are at all handy. Mr. L and others have posted very detailed wood fitment instructions etc... here that make it a very rewarding project for anyone with basic skills and desire.
    My desportering of a No 1 was one of the best learning experinces I have had in gaining knowlege if the SMLE and appreciation for the design and the craftsman who built and maintained them.

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    Legacy Member Maxwell Smart's Avatar
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    Beware of the "arsenal refinished" forestocks. You might be lucky and get a half-decent one. (I didn't)

    I bought three of these because they were so cheap; found out WHY they were selling for so little.

    All were very dry; made from an unknown timber that resembled neither walnut or beech. The inletting was shocking - one of them would not even go close to fitting any of my Mk2 actions. The rear of the stock where the patching was done to modify from Mk1 to Mk 2 standard was very poorly done on two of them.

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    Quote Originally Posted by HOOKED ON HISTORY View Post
    MPO is while often not a good decision $ wise but it can be a very fun project if you are at all handy. Mr. L and others have posted very detailed wood fitment instructions etc... here that make it a very rewarding project for anyone with basic skills and desire.
    My desportering of a No 1 was one of the best learning experinces I have had in gaining knowlege if the SMLE and appreciation for the design and the craftsman who built and maintained them.
    Agreed! Pulling the trigger and hearing bang from something that was just a barrel and a receiver...worth every penny.

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    What is stamped on the left side of the receiver and wrist?

    In the USAicon I think you can get good no4 mk2s complete as issued for very reasonable money. If the metalwork really is in good nick, has a full barrel (5 groove?) and that includes the rifling in the barrel and you are prepared or want a fun project because you like doing that sort of thing (like me) then yes go for it. I have seen some lovely restoration projects on here, something of a challenge.

    Parts via online stores and ebay seem quite plentiful and reasonable money in the USA. I would aim for a stock that isnt "reconditioned" if you can.

    I would try and talk the price down though.

    ;]

    regards

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    Legacy Member Sheppsan's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ssj View Post
    What is stamped on the left side of the receiver and wrist?

    In the USAicon I think you can get good no4 mk2s complete as issued for very reasonable money. If the metalwork really is in good nick, has a full barrel (5 groove?) and that includes the rifling in the barrel and you are prepared or want a fun project because you like doing that sort of thing (like me) then yes go for it. I have seen some lovely restoration projects on here, something of a challenge.

    Parts via online stores and ebay seem quite plentiful and reasonable money in the USA. I would aim for a stock that isnt "reconditioned" if you can.

    I would try and talk the price down though.

    ;]

    regards
    From the serial number the rifle was originally a 1941 Maltby. Afraid I do not remember the FTR date at Fazakerly.

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