My No.I Mk.III* SMLE Restoration! *PIC HEAVY!*

Drachenblut

Drachenblut

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Smithers, B.C.
Hello,

I made the decision not to post this until I was almost done with my restoration. Here's the story:

While having a few with a local neighbor in my quiet country town, he mentioned that he had an old "30-06 or something" that had come with his house when he had bought it over 40 years ago. He said I could buy the gun from him, and he insisted $250 was as low as he would go, being absolutely adamant it was still functional.... hmm.
From behind a pile of boxes and a metal cabinet, he pulled out this rust covered, sportered rifle...
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I recognized it immediately... and though the price was high, once I saw the barrel was uncut, and the barrel, reciever and bolt were original and matching I was bitten by the restoration bug!

So I took it home, took it apart and took pictures before cleaning it up, scrubbing the bore and oiling/freeing everything.

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Finally, it came time to get the wood and parts I needed. Through a stroke of luck, CGN user JayDee helped me out in this en devour, and over the past few weeks we have commiserated to assemble and put into my hands the wood and parts needed.

At last, she is almost complete, barring a sling, bayonet, and rear sling swivel. What a wonderful 1918 Enfield No.I Mk.III*!

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In finality, if someone has any tips, comments or wishes to offer the proper bayonet or sling for a reasonable price, it is welcome! I am currently discussing with Lou the Pou about refinishing the stock to be more matching, but may end up just leaving her as-is! What think ye, oh great judges of CGN!?

Hats off to the rest of the community,
Sincerely,
Drachenblut
 
Yup, she deserves a new butt! Drache, I'm sure I have a half-decent one I could ship to you for just the shipping fee...
 
I'm still getting over the idea of paying $250 for that rusted old gal. Honestly, it wasn't worth $100 in that state. That said, a nice start to restoring it.
 
its a true labor of love restoring those as there isn't much profit in it, I would think about using a chemical rust remover on it, and reblue it maybe, give it back some color. and try to find a round cocking knob for it
 
Kernalvax said:
its a true labor of love restoring those as there isn't much profit in it, I would think about using a chemical rust remover on it, and reblue it maybe, give it back some color. and try to find a round cocking knob for it
Click to expand...

I did use derusting solution on a hopeless rusted gun once, with good result, the no1 mk3 concerned here could have been a good candidate.
 
Hello Lou. Sure, PM me with your details, and I can get that emt to you etc for the buttstock.

I would also like to hear about how/what kind of derusting solution you used and how you used it with good result. As for the $250, yes, guys, I over payed for it, but I am not going to be stingy when it comes to something that brings me joy to fix it up. Life is yae short, money is but chaff in the wind, even if you are low on cash like me. Think life, not capitolism! ;)

To Kernalvax, the cocking piece is correct, being a late war No.I Mk.III* with no milling for a magazine cut off.

Why do you all suggest a new butt anyways? Just curious... I was planning to drill out the wood peg where the second screw hole goes for the rear sling swivel and install one. A new butt is welcome, just used to working with what I have :)

Thanks all so far,
D
 
Drachenblut said:
Why do you all suggest a new butt anyways? Just curious... I was planning to drill out the wood peg where the second screw hole goes for the rear sling swivel and install one. A new butt is welcome, just used to working with what I have :)

Thanks all so far,
D
Click to expand...

The butt you have on the rifle has been sanded out of shape; here's what they should look like:
Butts_No4_1.jpg
 
Good on you. Restoring and cleaning them up is as much or more fun than just collecting them.

Your butt is also a different wood variety and color.
 
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