Lithgow SMLE Cleanup

[Mike Webb]

I recently purchased a 1917 Lithgow that was pretty neglected. The forend displayed some really black stains in the wood in two areas. I was looking at some photos on-line of grenade launcher SMLE's and the stains on my rifle are in exactly the same place as the grenade launcher rifles were wrapped with wire. You can even see where the wire indented the wood where the ends were folded under the wrapping. So some idiot removed the wire. Anyway I am restoring the rifle and have cleaned the wood with detergent and acetone to lift the grease etc. Some areas are still black and someone suggected a hair dryer to heat the wood to cause the oil to come to the surface. Any other ideas?
Will post some pics soon as I would like some more info on the rifle. Bore is surprisingly good considering the outside of the rifle.

 

[m6tlogistics]

from what I have read-allegedly they tended to use well worn firearms for grenade launching-as such-I might be very inclined to check headspace condition...

 

[roba]

It probably wont be a shooter. But as far as taking oil out of the stock coat it with a thick paste of gyproc filler ,let it dry well ,scrape /flake it off gentely and repeat as needed

 

[Mike Webb]

Thanks for the tip. I have heard from a different source that they were seldom fired and the bores tended to be good. Have to wait and see, I guess.

 

[sunray]

"...am restoring the rifle..." To what? Wire wrapped rifles were used as grenade launchers and line throwing guns on ships. Slug the barrel before you get too far along.
"...inclined to check headspace..." You should check the headspace on any Lee-Enfield. You never know if the bolt head has been changed at some time.
"...Some areas are still black..." Some oil stains may never come out. You could try a bleach solution though. Bleach mixed with water, not just bleach.

 

[rhino519]

ive tried it and it works great in most cases;

a wet cloth over the stain, and hot iron, it raises the fibers as well and is used to fix dents but also helps remove oily stains

 

[Pblatzz]

"...inclined to check headspace..." You should check the headspace on any Lee-Enfield. You never know if the bolt head has been changed at some time.

I fixed it for you:

You should check the headspace on any Surplus Rifle. You never know if the bolt head has been changed at some time.

 

[Mike Webb]

I've only got $125 into the rifle including a bayonet so if it ends up a wall hanger I'm fine with that.