No1 MkIII... I think?

[Tromas]

Long story short, a friend sold me what I believe is a 1916 No1 MkIII for few bucks. It was missing many parts, and had the barrel cut down with a No5 style flash hider added and "No5 Jungle Carbine" stamped in the barrel.

I have started buying parts to restore it to more of a factory looking No1. (I know it wont have the same value as an original, but its more of a fun project and less about the value.) Some one had welded a notched bar across the ring on the receiver to act as sight when the one on the barrel was removed. But once I cut off the notched bar, I could see that the ring (dont know what it is called) is not one piece going across, but two separate pieces with one side having a screw going into the top.

None of the pictures diagrams show any look like this, nor can I find a part listed for it anywhere. Any insight as to whats going on? Was this normal on some rifles, there doesn't appear to be any cutting marks like the center section was cut out.

[browningautorifle]

No, that screw isn't normal, it was placed in there to hold the rear sight. They are normally solid there and that's for charger loading. Another thing to fix...

[Brian Dick]

It's a Santa Fe Arms 1960's conversion of an SMLE to a so-called "Jungle carbine". They used a modified Mk.2 rear sight from a No.4 and the axis pin/screw is a sear screw from the SMLE. They butchered tons of them.

[browningautorifle]

It's a Santa Fe Arms 1960's conversion

I didn't want to get into that. I couldn't see putting this one back to original look, far too much work and outlay. That charger bridge is a death knell for me.

[RCS]

Numrich had later charger guides, need to have shrink rivets to install the correct way. Evans Screw also use to install charger guides if still available

[Tromas]

Thanks for the information. I know it'll be a lot of work to convert it back, but it really is more of a project to kill time. It will probably never be as complete or nice as an original, but to me at least, it'll be nicer than it was. I have gotten a barrel replacement and parts that were missing in the safety lever assembly. I guess trying to locate a charger guide is next on the list.

[Sunray]

"...be a lot of work to convert it back..." It'll be a big pile of money too. It's mostly all the wee tiny bits and pieces that are both scarce and pricey. The assorted sling swivel etc screws run about $2.75 each.There are no more stock sets either.
The charger guide has been cut. The charger guide is part of the receiver and isn't usually found as a separate part.
"...have gotten a barrel replacement..." It's absolutely essential the barrel be installed by a smithy who has the correct tools. Primarily the action wrench. Using anything else can twist the receiver into an oddly shaped paper weight.
Do not let him buy headspace gauges either. Those can be rented. If he buys 'em you pay for 'em and he keeps 'em. And he'll need a handful of bolt heads at $15.50 each for a used, stripped, one. No. 1 Rifle bolt heads don't have numbers. It's trail and error until one works.

[breakeyp]

Brian, the Santa Fes had new made L flip sights. Springfield Sporters ended up with a bunch of them. They were painted black and made of aluminum.

[Brian Dick]

Interesting. They must have used both because I've seen modified, original Mk.II sights too.

[oldfoneguy]

There should be criminal prosecution for committing such an atrocity to a war veteran.

I wish you luck on your endeavor but as been said it's going to be an expensive project. If it shot well I would have just left it alone.