New to Lee Enfields

[ralfus]

Please bear with me as I am new to these rifles. I bought a package deal of 4 rifles today, including a No4 mk1. It had been sporterized by removal of the bands, handguards, front sight guard and shortening of the forend. I have about $80 into it. Hand scribed No4 Mk1 on receiver. M/47C, 194? (digit obliterated by ding or stamp) AV3855 on socket. Bolt handle has matching AV3855. British proof markings on barrel near muzzle. 0 bolt head.
JCN22, vaious crowns on grip, FR on butt, alloy buttplate, stamped rear sight missing elevator/peep. 85% bluing, nice bore

What have I got?

I expect it is nothing fancy but I figured I could gradually add the missing pieces and be into the whole rifle for under $200. I am not looking to make a profit but is this a worthy endeavor? Is this a runofthemill No4Mk1 and what is the value if "restored"??

Thanks for any help.

P.S. I am already ahead as one of the other rifles cost me $30 and is worth about $300-350 (a Marlin 922M semi 22 mag).

I have looked at Numrichs selection of parts but where else should I shop??

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.

[RJW NZ]

Numrich's not bad, generally Springfield Sporters are more likeable, have more parts and for better prices. You've got a classic orphan BSA made (m47), a zero bolt head is uncommon and bodes well as though the rifle has had little use, and for the right price, when you're done it will be worth more than you paid for it, not a bad day out at all...and a lot of fun to shoot as well. Well done, I'd say...
ps get the head space checked, if worn its easily remedied with other bolt heads 0-3 to take up the slack.

[Amatikulu]

http://www.hoosiergunworks.com/catalog.html

http://www.ssporters.com/

http://e-gunparts.com/

Here's three links to possible parts suppliers

[louthepou]

Hi Ralfus,

I'd add that you'd want the barrel to be original before thinking about refurbishing the fifle back to its original look. Dos the barrel extend about 1.5 inch in front of the front sight? Does that extension have the bayonet lugs?

[John Sukey (Deceased)]

Just an add, go to www.skennerton.com and get his Small Arms Identification Series booklet on the No4. It's not expensive, (around 10 bucks) BUT it does have the exploded parts diagram and shows the accessories, plus a potted history. If you are going to order parts to restore it, you want to get EVERYTHING you need in one go. Why? because if you miss a couple of screws or a small bit on your first order, You are still going to pay shipping and handling if you have to order one more stinking screw that you missed the first time around.

[ralfus]

Thanks for the replies.

The barrel is original length and was simply stripped of hardware. No cutting was done or I would not have bothered. Ironically they offered me the rifle as it "needed repair" on the tag. The issue was the sear spring came undone.

Question about the finish on these rifles. It has worn bluing. What did the British arsenals do for metal refisnishing after the war? Would parkerizing this rifle be out of line or should I try to obtain only blued replacement hardware??