Reproduction or Original - No4 Enfield

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rgg_7

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I've been asked a few times - "should I use reproduction or original" wood for my restoration?

There are a few sources reproducing stock sets in walnut and beech. I've looked at a set recently that came from a shop in Edmonton, AB. Plain grained walnut, nicely profiled however lots of fitting and finishing. Cost of Stock set was $475 plus taxes and delivery. nice piece when done however not original.

Original wood is very difficult to source these days. Walnut sets have dried up however beech, birch and some maple still out there. A quick check on EE today - I see a very good original Savage set and a chap who has 2 original Brit sets.

Any time you can buy unissued wood for less than reproduction I go this route.

Thoughts?
 
Original wood is preferable but I bought one forearm that was new. Was my first rebuild and I wanted it done as quickly as I could. Now I have patience so I can wait for the correct parts to show up.
I currently have 7 Lee Enfields in various states of rebuild. The closest to being finished is a #4 savage , front band and bottom nose piece. I have them but not savage marked. I have made the top wood for a #1 due to not being able to find an original.
Most of the fun in rebuilding is the hunt for parts. It has become an addiction. I just keep buying parts lots. You never know what you will find.
The only problem with old wood is the draws get compressed so bedding is going to have to be done.
 
Repro wood is always going to look out of place to any Enfield enthusiast. I would always go original.

Having said that I have used the odd piece of repro. If you are willing to work at it you can make it look more original if you are willing to bang it up and rub in some old dirty grease...
 
rgg_7 said:
Any time you can buy unissued wood for less than reproduction I go this route.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Seems like you answered your own question. The difficulty is finding original parts that match, all good if you have the time and know where to look.

I wouldn't turn down restoring a good condition sporter with new production wood. It has no 'collector' value to begin with, and everything needs new parts from time to time.
 
Tyler said:
Seems like you answered your own question. The difficulty is finding original parts that match, all good if you have the time and know where to look.

I wouldn't turn down restoring a good condition sporter with new production wood. It has no 'collector' value to begin with, and everything needs new parts from time to time.
Click to expand...

Good point. It is up to the individual, who actually pays for the rifle and material to make it a “full wood” example. I own a beautiful Indonesian No.1 Mk3, very likely made from a used rifle, origin unknown. As far as I know, it was done for and maybe even done by the Indonesian military. New wood, very light in colour, scrubbed of all visible markings, stamped 7.7, dated, etc.

It is a very nice rifle, but until I can have someone in the know actually verify it as a true military rebuild, I can’t say with certainty that it was done for or by the military.
 
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