Think a 1903 enfield smle mk1/mk1*** is worth saving?

[AD-4NA]

Like the title says, think a 1903 enfield production shtle mk1 at my local gun shop is worth saving? It was converted to mk1*** specs and after became an Irish ER rifle but it has been sporterized. Nothing left but an action, bolt, rear sight, mucked up but not cut down barrel and maybe salvageable butt stock. Skennerton says there were only 963 produced the first year but it is $200 and in terms of restoration ER rifles did not use many mkIII parts. Of all the ones for bubba to get to!!

Information

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[superbee]

I have a 1904.Wish I had a a 1903!
go for it.
The barrel is not cut,that is most important.The rest of the parts can be found.It might take a bit of time,but it will be fun.
I restored a similar SMLE MK I*** a few years ago.I will post some pics.

[Lance]

I think there were more than 900 made in '03 as mine is a "B" series rifle #456 unless they started with "B". Does anyone have a "A" series or letterless example?

[AD-4NA]

good point Lance. I forgot the lined out number. Sources seem vague on serial numbers before 1905. It is not very motivational that I ran into another complete irish mk1*** a few weeks ago. Any estimate on restoration cost nowadays maybe with some repro parts, since it does not even have a magazine?

[RCS]

You can find a lot of parts from Springfield Sporters such as the early nosecap etc, the fore-end with the volley sights will have to come from a Mark 111 and that will be difficult enough to find as with the correct handguards. There are repros being produced but will be expensive. The third variation magazine can also be found. The ER rifles used a lot of parts and wood from the Mark 111 and would be worth a restoration

[Brian Dick]

I've got A4598

[RobD]

Have a look at this older thread on another forum - good pictures and a vaaast amount of information.

Irish SMLEs?

Rob

[stevesmle]

Enfield, began production, of components, for the new Short rifle, in march 1903, and the rest of the work year was spent, manufacturing enough components, for mass production for the following, work year. As Skennerton said, 961 SMLE Mk I rifles were assembled in the 1903-04 work year, however many thousands of receivers were made and dated 1903, but were assembled in the 1904-05 work year, and as such they are not particularly rare.True 1903 assembled rifles will have serial numbers, running from 1 to 961, with no pre- fix or suffix letter. A total of 67,180 SMLE Mk I's were assembled in 1904-05, including 110 with either special sights or special fore-ends.

[smle addict]

Sorry for the late input on this post. I say get it, and treat it as a long term restoration. $200 dollars is a good price, especially if the barrel is uncut. I picked up a 1906 Mk I*** two years ago. The rear handguard (with the unique sight ears) was gone, and the Mk I*** stock was modified and fitted with a Mk III rear sight protector. I found a Mk I *** rear handguard a few months later (on ePay$$) and payed $75 dollars for it. I took some scrap wood and proceeded to plug/patch the work from the Mk III sight protector. Pics below:
Attachment 58471Attachment 58472Attachment 58473
You can see where I fitted the small blocks of wood where the sight protectors used to be. Not the best job, but it is smooth to the touch. I'm rather embarrased by the bottom round plug. For whatever reason, the round walnut dowel absorbed more stain than the wood surrounding it. Oh well, as I said, its not the best handi-work, but it's solid and feels smooth. Minimal amounts of sanding with BLO as a final finish.

The last four pics are of a 1905 Mk I*** I picked up lat year for $350. The only thing original was action w/bolt and barrel. Blot head missing sliding charger guide. It was a former indian army rifle, and was fully stocked in grease soaked RFI furniture. I hate admitting this, but again, perused ePay$ nightly and was able to secure a rear sight, early nosecap, 3rd variation mag, and even a Mk I*** stock with early swivel. Ordered a reporduction sliding charger from EFD Enfield Specialists. Most of the early SMLE mk I parts came from Australia and new zealand. Located an SMLE Mk III stock from a friend. It was in poor shape, needing draws replaced and some other small repairs, as well as a thorough degreasing. First pic shows where I grafted a piece of walnut behind where the MK III charger bridge was. The original was broken off, so I just sanded until it was straight and wood pegged another piece in. Currently working on plugging and grafting to cover where the MK III rear sight proctector was. Just found another Mk I*** rear handguard, and awaiting its arrival (from England). All said and done, I'll have $750 wrapped up in the rifle (including purchase cost).

Attachment 58474Attachment 58475Attachment 58476Attachment 58477

Some argue it would have been easier to buy a MK I*** in its proper configuration. I agree, I just cant afford one. Besides, this was/is more fun.

Best of luck and please post your updates!

[Bruce_in_Oz]

Re: plugging holes.......

In the boat-building caper, there are two common dowel forms.

One is used more or less like a nail and has the grain running along the length of the parallel or tapered dowel, with the end-grain exposed. The technique and materials go back to Biblical times at least.

The other is a "dowel", or, more like a plug, used to "hide" repairs or fasteners; mostly for cosmetic reasons. These have the grain running ACROSS the diameter and are usually quite short. This is the sort needed for stock "repairs".

There are special cutting tools available from the "better" wood-worker's supply establishments that enable you to cut a variety of these "cross-grain" dowels. The tool is a bit like a miniature hole-saw but without the centre pilot drill bit. Unless you have a LOT of holes to fill, it would probably be cheaper to try your nearest cabinet maker / "old-school" boat-builder etc, and see what they can do.