Lee Metford parts

[Binrat1978]

Here's a shot in the dark. I bought what was labelled as a parts gun from Switzer's. It is a Lee Metford rifle in 303 Br. It looks like it was used regularly and cared for.
The problem is that it was an estate sale and I am guessing the family weren't familiar with guns as the bolt or mag was not sold with it.

I "think" I found a bolt body but it is missing the bolt head, ejector, firing pin, etc. A No 4, Mk 1 mag does fit in it but no idea if it will function properly with it.

Anyone familiar with this rifle and where to source parts?

Thank you.

 

[Evanguy]

That's a "long lee" or a MLM/MLE (magazine lee Metford / magazine lee Enfield)

If there is an "E" on the Knox form it's a MLE, if there isn't an "E" on the Knox form it's a MLM

But searching for "long lee" parts will get you what you need.

Do you just want to shoot it or restore it.

If you are ok with only a half #### safety you can use a no1 bolt and mag. (Those rifles had the safety on the cocking piece)

 

[Binrat1978]

That's a "long lee" or a MLM/MLE (magazine lee Metford / magazine lee Enfield)

If there is an "E" on the Knox form it's a MLE, if there isn't an "E" on the Knox form it's a MLM

But searching for "long lee" parts will get you what you need.

Do you just want to shoot it or restore it.

If you are ok with only a half #### safety you can use a no1 bolt and mag. (Those rifles had the safety on the cocking piece)

I am hoping to restore it but will settle for shootable if parts are too scarce. Thanks!

 

[Binrat1978]

That's a "long lee" or a MLM/MLE (magazine lee Metford / magazine lee Enfield)

If there is an "E" on the Knox form it's a MLE, if there isn't an "E" on the Knox form it's a MLM

But searching for "long lee" parts will get you what you need.

Do you just want to shoot it or restore it.

If you are ok with only a half #### safety you can use a no1 bolt and mag. (Those rifles had the safety on the cocking piece)

Just to be clear, you're saying this bolt would fit the rifle?

https://www.#######.ca/firearm-comp...s/bedford/lee-enfield-no-1-mk-3-complete-bolt

 

[Nabs]

The barrel is cut so you cannot restore it without significant investment.

What you have started life as a Le enfield Mark I, made at Enfield in 1896. It went to New Zealand and likely spent much of her time there before being sold out of service and turned into a sporter. For a magazine, you best bet is to find an SMLE magazine and try that. My MLE has one and it fits just fine. The bolt will be a difficult one, providing you can find all the pieces, you have to consider the headspace situation, if you do plan to shoot her.

An SMLE bolt will not work by the way, you will be looking for a MLM or MLE bolt. The bolt head is a different shape, as well as the bolt handle, and the cocking piece has the safety switch integrated into it on the right hand side.

I wish you luck with whatever path you choose.

 

[Evanguy]

A no1 bolt head is different then a long lee bolt head.

But a complete no1/SMLE bolt will work in a long lee. There won't be a safety but it will have a half #### safety and there won't be a dust cover or lugs for it. The bolt handle is the same. The calvary carbines have the flattened bolt handle also swept forwards.

 

[B_noser]

As others have mentioned, an SMLE magazine will fit just fine - better than a No. 4 magazine, which can be touch and go. Additionally, an SMLE magazine will feed spire point ammo better than the Long Lee magazine due to the larger feed lips. Also, although folks seem to regularly swap bolts without checking, one should really check lug engagement and headspace when fitting another bolt.