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

[Bluenoser]

To add to Bruce's excellent post, end grain will soak up much more stain than will side grain. That is why the plug has such a dark appearance. As an alternative to installing a round plug, you can cut and inlet a square plug with a slight taper to it's sides. The taper makes it easier to get a tight fit and I think the square (or odd shaped) insert is less visible.

[RCS]

I have been collecting these rifles for some time, I really do not change the service modified examples but on a sporterized rifle it is worth a restoration depending on what you can find in the way of parts/wood. Also have a ConD 11* from a Mark 1 action body.
Also there are the Mark 1** IP rifles which are still interesting if they are very early.Attachment 58480Attachment 58481Attachment 58482Attachment 58483Attachment 58484

The Enfield 1903 Mark 1** IP was upgraded in 1914, new barrel from India and serial numbered to match the action (37988) Note the volley sight plate was milled off. My small collection of IP rifles is not included in the photo of Mark 1*** variations

[Peter Laidler]

I agree with BinO's thoughts about using round across the grain plugs. But would just suggest using BinO's cabinet makers across-the-grain plugs and a bit of Bluenose's idea too. Simply drill out the area you want to plug to make the edges of the hole square and then, instead of using parallel cabinet makers cross-grain plugs, simply make your own, on a lathe using a good match piece of wood and make them a slightly tapered finger-tight fit. Glue both pieces, align the grain, press in and them drive in using a small mallet.

Once it's all dried and made off, the new round taper-fit and now VERY tight fit will be almost indistingushable.

Did that very recently to a Thompson gun butt that had the equivalent of two 'ishy' screws across it. Now it's a bit like Bruce Forsyths wig..... you can't see the join!

[303tom]

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!!

yes !......................

[Roy]

The very finest 'plug cutters' come in sets with drill bits and a cutter that is attached to the shank of the drill to cut the plug socket, the cutters themselves are very finely made and will cut a slightly tapered plug. you need a drill press to use them.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

Good idea PL.

Use a suitably-sharpened end-mill to form a neat, round, flat-bottomed hole and then, in the lathe, turn up a suitable cross-grained plug from a block of the same timber with grain approaching the desired density and figure (if any).

Cat gets skinned either way.

The other thing I have seen done on larger repairs on both gun stocks and fine antique furniture is to carefully carve (or machine) out a shallow groove along the grain of the damage. The ends of the groove taper outwards towards the surface of the workpiece.Then carefully shape a suitable piece of tree to fit as precisely to the tapered channel as possible. With a LOT of work, this results in "feathering" out of the repair "plug" and with careful filling, staining and finishing, can be almost invisible. Not for the faint-hearted.

[RobD]

Or buy a $5 plug cutter - you can get them parallel-sided or tapered - any online carpenters' supplier.

[AD-4NA]

Yep stevesmle, you were on. granted this thread has died out but SN was #3000 on 1903 receiver so one of 67,000 assembled 1904/05. The strange thing is there is no conversion dates or proofs on the left receiver ring, just barrel and receiver. Both were originally proofed VR/P! Did they really keep using old stamps in the reign of ER with ER receivers?

[RobD]

AD-4NA, yes, it is occasionally noted that Queen Victoria's crown appears on stamps on rifles 1-2 years after she was promoted to the Empire in the Sky.
Rob