Lee-Enfield Restoration Opinions

jcuffe6240

jcuffe6240

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A friend of mine just gave me a an un-cut Longbranch No. 4 Mk. 1* Lee-Enfield. It does not have a bolt, trigger group and has been sportized. Basically it is receiver and barrel with a bit of wood. Should I even attempt to try and put this back into firing order? Would it even be worth it? The barrel is also full length too.

Thoughts and opinions please!
 
What year? If bore is very good it is well worth putting together with correct LB parts. If your cobbling something together for a shooter it is not worth the effort. Better to sell what you have and buying one that's correct. Just my opinion, Ron
 
jcuffe6240 said:
A friend of mine just gave me a an un-cut Longbranch No. 4 Mk. 1* Lee-Enfield. It does not have a bolt, trigger group and has been sportized. Basically it is receiver and barrel with a bit of wood. Should I even attempt to try and put this back into firing order? Would it even be worth it? The barrel is also full length too.

Thoughts and opinions please!
Click to expand...

You'll never turn it into the original all-matching rifle it started out as, but that's no reason not to restore it. There are full wood sets and many No.4 parts available at Marstar, the EE has lots of parts, and in the end, you'll have rescued a Longbranch. It'll be worth about $300 depending on condition, and you'll have learned a lot into the bargain. :D
 
Yes, if the barrel and action are matched, you can restore it and you will have a great rifle. I have been considering doing this myself, but will have to wait until I can find a decent affordable one to work on.
 
Well it is a two-groove 1943 dated Lee-Enfield. I already have a decent shooter, but its a Savage and I just don't have the heart to not do something with this rifle. I do like to take on projects from time to time. Where would be a good start to start finding parts?
 
Update: My buddy who gave me the rifle says he has most of the parts expect for front hood and sight and trigger sear spring. Any ideas on where to get a decent full-wood set for it?

In the beginning...

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Start by collecting all the metal parts that you're missing. If your friend has most the others are available. Assembly the metal and ensure it functions Ok then go for the wood. If you're advertising for wood state your price range. It will vary considerably depending on markings and condition. You get what you pay for in wood. Well worth restoring. Ron
 
Restoring a No4 is a very interesting project. Get all the parts, then read a lot about all the tiny details which make all the difference; some of these being very important (the art of bedding a forend, for example). Ask lots of questions, many folks here who are more than happy to share their knowledge about the task at hand.

Lou
 
Thanks for all the advice and encouragement on this project. Another question for this project, do I require any specific tools to do the assembly of the rifle? Or do I only need the standard screwdrivers, punches, hammer, etc. for this project?
 
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