1931 Lithgow SHTLE III - an abomination or worth restoring?

[jasonafair]

Hello all, I ran across this guy today and can get it for $350 USD. I'm intrigued by it but also really leery...any input it appreciated. The holes in the barrel are a head scratcher for me.
Jason
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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.

[WGB-762]

Hi, It would appear that the holes in the barrel are for the original rear sight, obviously removed to allow sightline with the aftermarket target sights.

[Alan de Enfield]

The 'holes' in the barrel are where the location pins are fitted to hold the sights.
Collevtor value is seriously affected due to the 'drill and tap' of the body for the 'target' rear sight fitted on the rear of the body.
The sporterised woodwork (forend) could be replaced with modern repro (original is very difficiult to find) and would require properly FITTING (fitting new wood is NOT plug and play).

It looks to have been imported into the US pre 1968 (pre 68 importation marks)

[mmppres]

It could be restored back to original. Just takes some time an effort.

[Singer B]

Going to be several hundred dollars in parts. Forestocks are really difficult to find right now. What style of front sight does it have? You are looking at a forestock, upper handguard, rear sight assembly, barrel bands, front nose piece, swivels, screws at the very least. It would be a fun project if you are willing to invest the time and money.

[muffett.2008]

A closer better pic. of the Wrist stamp would help, the serial number puts it as a 1921 action, 1931 if made (which is doubtful) would have the later Lithgow SMLE stamp.
The stamp changed in 1926.
What is the barrel date on the left side of the barrel knox?

[jasonafair]

Sorry, those are the only photos I have. It was at a local gun show. I am trying to decide if it is worth getting. I do have the guy’s number so I may call him to see if it sold or not and get a better look( and probably at a better price&#128526.

[browningautorifle]

The sum total of the parts you'll need to rebuild this to military will be very expensive. I wouldn't rebuild a sporter .303 unless it's an exceptional example and rare. Drilled and tapped for a receiver sight, and the rear sight missing...screw holes to patch and the sights wee slid on THEN drilled for that transverse pin. The rear sight you find may not match up well. The small parts will be from everywhere and the wood marked incorrectly or repro. A very, very expensive proposition. Full wood LE are available.

[Daan Kemp]

Might be a good buy if you want a shooter. First check the barrel.

[jasonafair]

Thanks all, it’ll be a pass on this. The SHTLE is what caught my attention. I need a 17 and a Krag first anyway 😎