New project, an SMLE. COMPLETED PAGE 2

Craig0ry

Craig0ry

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Southen Alberta
Well I will admit I never planned on doing one of these, I never liked the looks of the No1 Mk3, But I recently came into possession of one that bubba didnt wreck too terribly, he was even kind enough to leave the middle band and rear top wood, Already have the new bottom wood on the way and the nosecap, still having some troubles finding the forward top wood. Heres some pics, Its all I have on my phone right now, I'll take a few more when I get home. Date looks 1911, Metal is in really good shape. Not sure what else to be looking for on these rifles?? thats where you guys come in




 
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Heya.

If you're looking to restore that to full condition, you're well on your way to it, with the lower and the nosecap incoming.

What you'll also need, is the front screws, and, well not too much else really. You're lucky on the back handguard, and the unsporterized buttstock.

I got a reproduction front guard off Infideleggwelder, and it fit nicely. You could PM him about the front guard.

Just my 2 cents, I've restored two SMLE's but I'm no expert.
 
here's a few more of the photos, I might have to look into reproduction if I can find an original top forend, anyone have any leads? feel free to PM me

Can you guys give any info of the rifle based of these pics? there seems to be some X's too that have been stamped over something,(see photo)



 
It appears your rifle had been designated Drill Purpose (DP) and later re designated Emergency Use (EY).

I would hazard a guess the RAF on the regimental disc refers to th Royal Air Force and SQN is an abbreviation for Squadron. Perhape 99 Squadron. I believe that was a bomber squadron in both the first and second world wars.
 
give libertytree collectors a look online. They ship to Canada for most of their parts and have used front handguards and nosecaps with both hard to find screws for reasonable prices. You can probably pick up a few other bits there as well. They don't charge the insane shipping/handling fees that Numrich does either. You just pay for what it costs to ship it to you.

Cheers,

Ian
 
Check the headspace and slug the barrel before you spend any money. Mind you, that one looks like it was sporterised by somebody who knew what he was doing.
Rifles were DP'd and EY'd for a host of reasons. Not just being close to unsafe. Could have been just elderly.
Busy bunch 99 Sqdn. Formed in 1917. Currently driving C17's. There's no reason to assume that butt stock is original to that rifle though. Likely is though. http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/99squadron.cfm
 
Smitsauce said:
give libertytree collectors a look online. They ship to Canada for most of their parts and have used front handguards and nosecaps with both hard to find screws for reasonable prices. You can probably pick up a few other bits there as well. They don't charge the insane shipping/handling fees that Numrich does either. You just pay for what it costs to ship it to you.

Cheers,

Ian
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Liberty is good but unfortunately they won't ship front handguards to Canada. I usually have a few if anybody ever gets stuck and Infideleggwelder has a great reputation making repros.
Dave
 
TANK1867 said:
Liberty is good but unfortunately they won't ship front handguards to Canada. I usually have a few if anybody ever gets stuck and Infideleggwelder has a great reputation making repros.
Dave
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I just got one in the mail last week! It is the forestocks that they don't seem to want to ship.

Ian
 
Thanks again guys, should have all the parts I need fairy quick thanks to tank1867! Talking to a friend about the rifle and he asked if the butt plate was beat up and the rest of the rifle in good condition, I said yes and he told me it was most likely used for DP if the plate is rough and the rifle nice, I wonder if it got converted to an EY in 1914 when things went south? Interesting think about!
 
Well after 4 months its finally complete, had some wood finishing issues, but here she is, completed, Still haven't shot it haha




polished up the ID disk and butt plate


Fixed a little chip that came off butt stock when I disassembled



Actually got a DP marked top forend from another member here :)
 
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Mick Jagger said:
If you would be so inclined to share the total cost on this project. If not to crazy I might do one myself as well.
Thanks
cheers
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If memory serves me correctly, I might be out a few dollars on some Items
Rifle= $80(from a friend)
Bottom wood= $110 shipped
Top forend= $60 shipped
Nosecap and hardware= $75 shipped
Total of $325
Reimbursement from the clear coat brand I used for faulty product and labour(turned white and cracked) = +$100 cheque for a grand total of $225
 
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