Lithgow SMLE sporter

[AFJon]

So I've picked up a 1941 No1 Mk3 SMLE made by Lithgow, that was sporterized in the 1950's for $190 OTD.
Pluses.
Not import marked
Not drilled and tapped
Barrel is still original length
Bolt numbered to the receiver
Barrel has some frosting but looks fine otherwise
As far as I can tell are the parts are Australian made.

Minuses
Upper hand guard missing
Lower fore stock was cut down.
remaining wood was sanded down and coated in polyurethane

Seems like a good candidate to restore.

Pictures








Rest of album
http://s1161.photobucket.com/user/jo...Login=1&page=1

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[browningautorifle]

Yup, good place to start. Not as hard to replace the missing pieces when the metal's good. Nice catch. That barrel might clean up when you shoot it.

[CINDERS]

I may ask again was there a special on varnish when bubba came onto that rifle as how many have we seen varnished up like a Rolls Royce car in the midday sun gads the glare

[AFJon]

Yup, good place to start. Not as hard to replace the missing pieces when the metal's good. Nice catch. That barrel might clean up when you shoot it.

Actually the barrel is a lot better after running about 15 rounds of Greek surplus (HXP 1976) through the rifle yesterday at the range. Shot at steel at 100 yards and went 14 for 15.

I may ask again was there a special on varnish when bubba came onto that rifle as how many have we seen varnished up like a Rolls Royce car in the midday sun gads the glare

probably was...

[browningautorifle]

More is better...keep us infoed as you go?

[muffett.2008]

Can you add the S/N and barrel date for the Lithgow Survey?

[Vincent]

Upper hand guard missing

BRP has a selection of upper hand guards.

Lower fore stock was cut down.

That’s going to be the hardest part to find.

Apex gun parts has a good selection of No1 Mk3 parts and they’re conveniently located for you. You might be able to swing by and save a little on shipping.

[AFJon]

Can you add the S/N and barrel date for the Lithgow Survey?

Wili do. I'll be tearing the rifle down this weekend.

BRP has a selection of upper hand guards.

That’s going to be the hardest part to find.

Apex gun parts has a good selection of No1 Mk3 parts and they’re conveniently located for you. You might be able to swing by and save a little on shipping.

I can talk to them at the show this weekend.

[AFJon]

Rifle has been stripped down and cleaned up. Took about 45 minutes to get 70 odd years of dirt and crud off the metal.

Posted the serial number/barrel date in the survey.

[henry r]

sorry, i'm still learning all of this stuff.

MA = lithgow
OA = orange arsenal

WA? wagga wagga?
BA? bathurst?

what other places and markings are there for Australian made lee enfields?

nice collection of ammunition AFJ. you probably already know this, but over the last few months i have been looking, there has been a reasonable selection of australian made sight protectors, barrel bands and nose caps etc on australian e.bay. (.com.au)

henry.