1896 BSA Long Lee

**BurtonP** · 08-25-2022 08:59 PM

I've wanted an Long Lee for ages, but the prices for the good ones were beyond reach for me. I managed to get a sporterized 1896 BSA MLE with an OK bore, which seemed to be a manageable project for me. Little did I know!

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The barrel has been cut which I can't do much about, and I was soon to discover how hard replacement parts are to source ... even repro ones.

Off the top of my head here's the list of things that I did for this project.
-Replacement buttstock (a used original with butt plate stamped "13" potentially the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry originated in Hamilton, Ontario on 11 December 1862 as 13th Battalion Volunteer Militia (Infantry).
-Replacement of forestock with shortened used forestock that needed a duffel cut for the hand-carved front piece that I added. Join is hidden beneath the barrel band.
-Hand carved top wood, my original source was not able to provide one, so I made my own. with spring clips and rivets adapted from SMLE parts.
-Sling swivel welded back onto barrel band that was found at a gun show.
-Front band and bayonet lug sourced at gun show, but turned out to be from a Remington Lee which I think is a pretty close match.
-Fill scope holes (i chose poorly on material which wouldn't accept cold blue)
-Drill and tap filled rear volley sight holes and mount replacements.

I'd still like to find a dust cover, but this is pretty much done. It's not my best restoration work, but I'm pretty happy and it was certainly a challenge.
Enjoy.