SMLE No1 makeover

Thanks Guys. I think one can learn a lot by doing a project like that. Now I'm starting to understand (I believe) how the bedding system should properly work on No1 rifle. It's a bit of counterintuitive thing actually :)
 
I love it when an old, ratty looking firearm is restored to it's former glory. You have a ton of patience to take on job like that.

One question: obviously the varnish removal was a giant pain. Would none of the commercial strippers like Minwax Antique Furniture Refinisher, Kwik-Strip, etc. have done the job without having to go the aluminum foil route which looks to be extremely tedious?
 
I tried. Unfortunately the formula on most of these products was changed lately to follow the new eco friendly regulations. That makes them rather useless which is typically expressed by the buyers in the latest reviews. That was my experience as well. I used to use the furniture stripper for that kind of jobs, but they don’t sell them anywhere without that eco something sign stamps. Yeah…I wasn’t too happy about that.
 
Nestor said:
I tried. Unfortunately the formula on most of these products was changed lately to follow the new eco friendly regulations. That makes them rather useless which is typically expressed by the buyers in the latest reviews. That was my experience as well. I used to use the furniture stripper for that kind of jobs, but they don’t sell them anywhere without that eco something sign stamps. Yeah…I wasn’t too happy about that.
Click to expand...
Sounds like the new weed killers. They don't work worth a damn either.
 
Thank you again Gents. I just love No1 rifles. They may be quite weird looking creatures for some, but for me they are absolutely beautiful.
Soon I'll be working on another one. This time it's going to be a sporter coming back to its original form. Lucky me, as it has like new bore :)
BTW if anyone has a front handguard for No1 Mk3 rifle for sale, I'll buy it from you. I believe it's the only part that I'm missing right now for the new project.
 
Last edited:
Ok that was an absolutely wonderful thread to read and enjoy. Fantastic attention to detail, pictures and descriptions. You have truly restored a wonderful piece of history. Clearly a labour of love. Good on you ��
 
That's an amazing restoration job. Now, in order to protect the finish, I would suggest covering the whole thing in a nice thick coat of lacquer. :p :bangHead:
 
Outstanding work and patience. That looks gorgeous, especially the wood. Thanks for detailing everything with pictures and notes about what you used.

And you've convinced me to never ever sell my two jugs of Circa 18580 Stripper. That old stuff works fantastic.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom