1st Enfield restored

[mcpiper]

Just wanted to share some pictures of my little restoration project. I received this 1943 Lithgow Mk III as a gift from a family friend for my first deer hunt when I was 16 years old. Sadly he passed away this year. It's been in my gun safe for 25 yrs and I decided to put this rifle back together properly. I got some internet "Ishy" wood and metal and spent a week cleaning and scrubbing. I then used Danish Oil for a darker finish than BLO would give and then finished it with a couple coats of wax. The metal band and nosecap are devoid of finish so I may have them reblued. I may take it up to the deer camp this year and try my luck with it again.

 

[louthepou]

Way to go! Good work.

Now get a second refurb project going

 

[303carbine]

Great looking rifle, another Enfield restorer on cgn!!!

 

[Riflechair]

Hoorah!

 

[Pblatzz]

Now you can't stop at just one....

Good job.

 

[Advan]

Looks great!

Now what are you doing with that empty stock?

 

[old hound]

Congratulations. Was a nice gun before [sporter] but I think it's more happy now.

 

[Caydel]

Nice job. Mind posting some high resolution pics of the restoration? We all love gun #### here!

 

[mcpiper]

thanks for the input everyone. Here's a couple more pics. Advan the stock and 5 shot mag are on the exchange forum. And yes I've already started snoopin around for another project gun.

 

[louthepou]

Good job on cleaning up that wood!

And: Yup, once you start... you can't stop...

Well it's been like that for me anyways.

You may want to try pure boiled linseed oil next time if you want to stay as "Lee Enfield Authentic" as possible.

That said, I wouldn't be surprised if the danish oil you used is linseed oil with dryers added to speed up curing (but prevents deep penetration in the wood).

Hey, now I hope you'll give us a range report

Lou

 

[Vimy Ridge]

Very nice!