SMLE No2 MkIV* - Worth un-bubba'ing?

T

Tanis

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I've got a chance to buy an SMLE No.2 Mk.IV*, the single shot .22LR trainer made from an SMLE No1 MkIII. The metal is in very good condition, the bore is minty, it's all matching (mag isn't marked, but is correct ie, lacking the follower and spring) and, even cooler, it's C-Broad Arrow marked.

The problem is that the wood on it has been completely destroyed.

So, my question is, knowing that all I need is the wood and bands from a No.III to make it correct (albeit not matching at that point), is it worth restoring to at least Un-Bubba'd condition?

I probably will anyways, just cause of the C-Broad Arrow on it, but wanted to get your opinions first.
 
I thought as much. I was 99% planning on doing it. If, for nothing else, but to add to my collection of stuff with a C-Broad Arrow on them.

Any idea what they're worth? Or, more specifically, are they worth at least the, say, $400-500 I would have to spend to buy it and then get the parts and pieces to put it right? I will likely buy it regardless, but it would be nice to know that I'm not going to spend hundreds of dollars more than they're worth.

Just from a moralistic standpoint though, it'll get un-bubba'd. I can't stand to see something like that dwell as a bubba in someone's closet.
 
All the reference books I have state that the No.2 .22 rifles were exactly the same as the No1 MkIIIs, except for a modified extractor, bolt head and barrel, which was either completely new made as a .22 barrel, or just a sleeved .303 barrel. The new made .22 barrels were still made, externally, the same as the .303 barrels.

At least I'm hoping that's the case. Otherwise, I may have more fun than anticipated with my un-bubba project. :p
 
I don't know the price of the barrelled action, but if I had the opportunity to pick up such a project at a reasonable price, I would certainly do it. You mention a total outlay of $400-500; that might be a bit steep for a restored rifle, in my opinion.
 
I'd say it's as much worth putting a bubba'd .22 version of the Enfield to rights as one in .303 if you can get the bits at the right price.

Ganderite said:
I have one, if you want pictures of what it should look like.
Click to expand...

I have, just recently, acquired one of these rifles as well, and suspect there are a number of them lurking in CGN members' possession. Since the No. 2 Mk. IV* is under-represented in both threads and photos, IMO, this might be a great place to start a "show us your L-E trainer" thread. I'll go first...

Ganderite?

SMLE.jpg


More pics:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2823126#post2823126
 
I think it would be worth the effort and cost. I can't recall the last one I saw up for sale here but I suspect after you unbubba it it will be worth $500-$600

I may be out to lunch on my estimate, but No1 MkIV's dont grow on trees :D
 
Just be advised that some of these featured legitmately cut down wood. See latest edition of Skennerton's book. They were cut down from full wood to produce a cadet rifle that looks very much like your average .303 bubba sporter
 
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