A Restoration Candidate Lee Metford

[tiriaq]

Remarkably, this 1892 MLM Mk. II has a respectable bore. It needs a forend, magazine cutoff and middle band assembly. The pointer is missing from the long range sight, but that is an easy repair. Chances of finding an intact forend are slim, but there is always the chance of finding one cut in front of the band, so that a hidden splice could be made. 120 years old.

 

[smellie]

Eighteen Ninety-TWO? That is VERY early for a Mark II.

I would say that you are a Very Lucky Guy.

Almost everything is there,too! Volley sights and you even have the Dust Cover!

All you need is a Middle Band, Front Band/Bayonet Bar, sling swivel, screw for same and you're away. Don't worry about a Clearing Rod; they were ordered removed about 2 years later but the Channel in the Forestock remained.

A Metford with a decent bore is amazingly scarce. Definite cast-bullet rifle! PERFECT candidate for the C.E. Harris "Universal Load".

BTW, wood forward of what you have was identical with the wood on the LEI and LEI*.

This rifle has been brought up to later spec but not marked. As originally made, the LMII had no safety apart from the half-####.

Cutoff interchanges with SMLE but is not QUITE identical.

Beautiful piece.
.

 

[tiriaq]

I have the nosecap and a rear handguard. Have yet to shoot it; have some quality cast gascheck .303 bullets on hand.

 

[MarkdevCanada]

I've purchased a Metford and couple of long lees and carbine and have the same problem as you, the cut back forestock. I've had great success finding with nose caps ( 5 or 6 ) and bands (2 or 3) but have not found any forestocks. I think our only hope is to have some kind sole lend one out so it could be duplicated.