New 1941 Lithgow! Did I get Fleeced?

[thrawnformbi]

Hello all and thank you for letting me join the forum. I'm new to the Enfield world but have always wanted one of these iconic rifles. Unfortunately, I didnt do enough research and when I saw this rifle in my local shop I immediately decided I wanted it. Spur of the moment will be the death of me.*

I'm unclear on this mismatch of serial #'s and markings. I've done a fair amount of investigating and eventually found a JJCO stamp (rats!) and that immediately sent up a red flag of panic. The damn thing was hiding (see pic) and I didn't spot it in the shop. The condition was excellent and we were all gushing over it in the shop - but now I'm realizing that this was most likely one of their janky rebuilds.*

I'm very familiar with the John Covino shop in NYC and was aghast when I made the connection. It's a terribly run shop these days and a notoriously unfriendly/unhelpful place. I wonder if you all would mind sharing some insights if you have any. I'm not too familiar with Enfields so this is all new territory for me. Im incredibly concerned that its missing the brass recoil pads but I may be wrong. I've put maybe 30-40 rounds through it and it shot wonderfully but I'm concerned about its longevity without them.

Many thanks for all of your help. I made a little wrap for the stock - I'm sure it might offend some purists but I like doing it so what can I say. There are ZERO markings on the stock however so no information is lurking behind that bridle leather.*

PICS BELOW!

https://imgur.com/a/HVKheqi

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]

Can't imagine why that black leather is on the butt, the rest looks nice and clean. Perhaps you paid too much but now it's a shooter for you. If it shoots well then don't worry. I think it's what you say it is too...

[smle addict]

Well, I think you answered your own question. It is one of Jovino's "put-togethers". This surfaced in the mid to late '90s. I remember the advertisements that were put out. These were touted as unissued and rare. Price tag back then was $499. The consensus was these were the last of the Lithgow SMLE's imported from Australia, mostly as barreled actions. Jovino apparently bought up all the NOS stock sets, blackened the rifles and assembled them all. They went out to sales as "new" rifles.

If your happy with how it shoots, and you didn't give too much for it, then blast away. They are beautiful rifles, even if they are a Jovino special. The lack of the copper recoil blocks isn't too much of a concern. Yes, the draws would pulp on those coachwood stocks, but I doubt you'd do that, unless you have a pile of 303 you are planning to run through it.

I have to admit, that was a sneaky place to hide the import mark! I probably would've missed it too.

[BurtonP]

Yeah, re-stocked, re-blued and probably built from parts, but it looks lovely, and if it shoots well that's great. I have a mix of collector rifles and nice looking shooters, and I'm learning there is a difference. Both are good in their own way.

[thrawnformbi]

Thanks for the response! Well I figure I'd eventually put "a pile" of 303 through it as I bought it to be a shooter. Can I safely shoot this for the considerable future? Or should I be using it as little as possible because of the lack of recoil blocks? Id like to be able to sit out with it every week and run 50-60 rounds through it. Id hate to feel like every round fired was just one step closer to the rifle breaking down on itself and potentially becoming a risk to myself and others.

[browningautorifle]

Can I safely shoot this for the considerable future?

Yes. The wood can turn soft after oil over time and thousands of rounds. You'll likely be OK. You can always keep an eye on it and do the upgrade after a few years. The way to add blocks is here in forum if you search...

[bonnie]

Don't know what you paid but looks like you got a decent rifle, with matching bolt and receiver. I have had a couple of these in years past and enjoyed them. I did install and fit the recoil blocks in both rifles from the info here on the forum. A little involved to do the fitting but not really hard to do following directions.

Yeah, on the first one I found the JJ mark under the rear sight after I had already bought it also. Was disappointed at first but it was a good looking, good shooter (both were).

[Flying10uk]

Looks nice apart from that "thing" on the stock.

[BurtonP]

Thanks for the response! Well I figure I'd eventually put "a pile" of 303 through it as I bought it to be a shooter. Can I safely shoot this for the considerable future? Or should I be using it as little as possible because of the lack of recoil blocks? Id like to be able to sit out with it every week and run 50-60 rounds through it. Id hate to feel like every round fired was just one step closer to the rifle breaking down on itself and potentially becoming a risk to myself and others.

If it has new wood, which it certainly looks like, and it has been bedded correctly, you won't need recoil blocks. For what it's worth, none of my Lee Enfields have them fitted. What I'm learning is these rifles were intentionally built tough, which is why they still work.

[RobD]

Stunning!