First Enfield, need help!

[Randy A]

Been wanting to add an Enfield to the collection and I know nothing about them. Here is what I've found (local) that hasn't been permanently altered. It has been sportered in the sense that the butt has a rubber one on it, the forend has been cut back, no upper wood and no exterior hardware from the magazine forward. Rear sight and Front sight are intact but from what I can tell I'll need all wood and associated hardware attaching it. Including sling swivel in front of mag on up to the end of the barrel. They want $270 for it as is and the rifling is good but a flat looking finish in the groves (frosty). Might clean up, not worried about that as I've had way worse shoot very well. Anyhow, is this a good price for what I'll have to do to restore it? What is it? what might I expect to pay for the parts I need? I'm not opposed to new reproduction wood.... maybe.
Thanks,

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[rcathey]

That’s very far off from a good deal. You’d be looking at about $350 to restore. At least.
Run!
For that price you can find a complete rifle in shootable condition.

[artyldr01]

I agree with above. Not worth what it would take to restore. A 1943 Ishapore isn't all that special, good quality, but not rare. Keep looking. I will corroborate though, the Enfield Rifle is the funnest milsurp bolt gun and a great "rabbit hole." They do multiply!

[BurtonP]

I'd like to know where you folks are finding full wood un-sporterized No 1 MkIIIs for less than $275 + $350. In Canada, at least I'd be paying $900-1200 for these. Perhaps not "economical" to restore this one, but worthwhile nonetheless, no? Is the market so different in the US?

[rcathey]

Sorry, I’m replying on my phone and didn’t see you were in Canada.
I’ll bow out. Apparently, the market is indeed that different!

[RobD]

You can check prices from Liberty Tree Collectors
https://www.libertytreecollectors.co...&idcategory=62
You'll need: Forestock; front handguard; rear handguard; butt
Then you may need some metal bits: early nose piece+ screws; rear sight protector + screw; hinged barrel band + screw; stock screw spring set; buttplate + screws; rear sling swivel + screws; front sling swivel; stock disc+screw.

[BurtonP]

Sorry, I’m replying on my phone and didn’t see you were in Canada.
I’ll bow out. Apparently, the market is indeed that different!

Well, I'm in Canada, but I don't know about Randy A. I am genuinely curious about the market and price differences though.

[Randy A]

I was worried about the end result $$$ too but todays efforts produced a decent dark colored stock set with all hardware except for the upper wood and a barrel band. This rifle has a sling swivel right at the front of the magazine opening? I've seen them with a loop of sorts and thought the band midway up the barrel had a swivel and then a stacking swivel at the muzzle? The stock set I got has a swivel at the end not a stacking swivel. I assume the upper swivel goes on the mid-barrel band, stacking swivel at muzzle but whats up with the one at the front of the magazine, its two lugs threaded for a through bolt/screw?

[artyldr01]

I'd like to know where you folks are finding full wood un-sporterized No 1 MkIIIs for less than $275 + $350. In Canada, at least I'd be paying $900-1200 for these. Perhaps not "economical" to restore this one, but worthwhile nonetheless, no? Is the market so different in the US?

I too don't realize this was Canada. I got an all matching 1943 Lithgow for $220 a couple years ago, sold for $500 a couple months ago. Right now, barring any unique / rare factors you can get an SMLE in the $400~$500 range. Prices jumped when Dunkirk came out. Just my experience.

[BurtonP]

Randy A, I restore old sporters for fun, and it is seldom going to make me much money if I resell. However, the process is extremely enjoyable and worthwhile for other reasons IMO.
The only sling swivels in front of the mag I know are on the No4 T where a third swivel is sometimes used. Perhaps the previous owner used the sling to steady his shooting and added one.