BSA - SPARKBROOK Mk I*

[tatou]

Hi guys,
looking for any info about this rifle. I know i got something special but how special i'm just not sure.
It's been heavily sporterized... and i mean frankeinenfield style...
The bolt match... that's just about the only good thing i can see about it.
The barrel has been changed... but the serial doesn't match. Would that be normal ?
The barrel also has a Canadian ownership mark but not the receiver.
The butt appears to be a Moisin piece...or god knows what.
The forend is cut... but even that is made of 2 different pieces of wood spliced together...not that i care about this lol

I dont have it yet but i'm working on it. Is it worth saving ?

Information

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[CINDERS]

When you get some more pics of the rifle post them and the guys here will be able to help you with what you may need to do.

[Lance]

BSA-Sparkbrook Mk I^ are rare breed, a lot seem to have been upgraded through the years to Mk I*** so if your wallet can afford it and you enjoy a challenge, go for it. Mk VI ammo profile rear sight mounts can be found on ebay from time to time.

[tatou]

Here's a few more pics... prepare to be scared....i dont remember seeing a rifle so badly butchered, if not for that receiver i would have run away...
I basically figure i have a barreled receiver with trigger guard...
I pretty much know what i have to do to restore it, having researched it a bit a few years ago for another rifle.
I already have a forend, a reproduction Mk I i bought on eBay 2 or 3 years ago...just in case.
I know where i can get a nosecap and bolt head charger guide... i know there used to be a guy in the states that made handguards for these, i have to try to contact him and see if he still do.
I might have to go with the regular MK III sight bed since the barrel has been changed...it's probably not drilled for the Mk I sight bed.

Thanks for confirming this is worthy of a restoration, Lance.
I do have a few question for you or anybody else, if you dont mind... am i right to think that a normal (at least from the outside) SMLE butt stock would do ?
Would the cocking piece be a first variation, modified to accept a normal screw... or just a regular later model ?
Would a 3rd variation magasine be ok for it ? (i have one)
Any info or tip on where to find parts would be greatly appreciated.

I know this restoration wont be cheap and take a long time to source out all the right parts... but i want to do it. (and part of the reason the guy that owns it is letting it go)

[browningautorifle]

Here in Canada those are rare enough guns to begin with. It will definitely be a labor of love to restore.

[RCS]

Do tou have any markings on the other side of the action body ? something like ConD II or ConD IV ?

[tatou]

Do tou have any markings on the other side of the action body ? something like ConD II or ConD IV ?

Nope no markings on the left side of the butt socket. It's a true MK I*
But like i mentioned and by the pics, the barrel was changed.

[Lance]

The cocking piece you have now is the same as mine. I did learn that some early BSA-Spark's did come with the SMLE MkI cocking piece, my bolt is m/m so I cannot confirm this. If you want to make it a true Mk I* you will need to set it up for Mk VI ammo which is a higher profile rear sight base, "v" knotched rear sight, barley corn from sight and "LES" marked volley site plate. Also you will need to find a Mk II magazine, a Mk III will work but is not textbook. For finding parts a gentleman out of NZ lists early SMLE parts on ebay, just keep an eye out!

[tatou]

Thanks, that helps a lot to start my searches.
I do know the gentleman you are talking about. There is also another one in AU .... i will keep my eyes open.

I do have a volley plate marked LES made by BSA and a pointer made by i believe Sparkbrook (the B is less ''stylish'')
The only problem is the outside nut portion, or what ever it is called, has been ground off.
I seem to remember reading somewhere, somebody was selling something to fix this.... damn fading memory...

Parts will come along i'm sure... at the last gun show i saw the proper nosecap. I almost bought it thinking it might be useful one day... but changed my mind.
Now one month later i need it lol... hopefully next month it will still be there.

[englishman_ca]

Tatou, The volley sight that has been ground flush was a common thing on some target rifles, and some .22 trainers. It gets rid of a sharp edged sticky out thing that could affect the hand hold?

A work around is to make and fit a washer under the arm and spring. The original boss (now removed) was about 1mm thick, adjust the washer to suit making the outside diameter matches the counterbore in the underside of the volley arm and that the internal hole is a close fit on the screw.

The original screw is long enough to work. The arm will pivot on the screw and the assy will look no different.