My Sporterized SMLE - A Few Questions.

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gyates93

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Hey guys,

I've recieved a (sporterized) BSA made 1918 SMLE Mk. III* from my grandfather recently. It's in good shape overall, there's some rust on the outside of the barrel, but the inside looks good. It needs a good cleaning/lube. All of the serial numbers that I have been able to find are matching. (Bolt, Reciever, Barrel, Rear Sight) The rear handguard is still intact, but the rest of the wood, besides the buttstock is either modified or gone. It is also missing a couple swivels, only the rear one is original military gear. I was wondering if this rifle would be a good candidate for restoration? Sorry, I don't have a digital camera to take any pics with at the moment, but I'll try to borrow one or something, soon.

Thanks

Edit: Also, does anybody know what a "U" stamped on the bolt head means?
 
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Yes it is probably worth restoreing. Rifleing is v. important, all matching and it is a BSA. Those rear hand guards undamaged are getting hard to find. You might be able to make it full military for around 100 bucks, if your lucky.
 
Interesting. Another question, what piece are the rear sight guards supposed to be connected to? My rifle does not have them, and I don't know what they attach to. :confused:

Edit: Found it.. It's the forestock..
 
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Before you do anything, consider this. Your Grandfather gave you his rifle. He has hunted with it for years, and want's you to do the same. If you restore it to full Military, are you really going to hunt with it and enjoy it the way he wants you to? If it were me, I would take that rifle hunting just the way it is, and think of your Grandfather everytime you do. He won't be with you for long, but he will always be part of that rifle. And hanging it on the wall, or shooting it at the range won't have the same effect as sitting on a ridge on a cool fall morning, you Grandpa's rifle in hand. Just my opinion.
 
There is also nothing wrong with doing both, you can have both stocks on hand to do as you choose. Restore it to give it the military look to shoot at the range and when you decide to go hunting just put your grandpa's stock back on. Get as much as you can out of her. Just my 2 cents.
 
kevwat said:
There is also nothing wrong with doing both, you can have both stocks on hand to do as you choose. Restore it to give it the military look to shoot at the range and when you decide to go hunting just put your grandpa's stock back on. Get as much as you can out of her. Just my 2 cents.
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That's what I was thinking about, actually!

I'd still like to know what the "U" stamped on the bolt head means.
 
Check the headspace first. If it's bad, matching numbers doesn't guarantee anything, that needs expensive fixing before you do anything else.
 
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