Bluing / sight work

Puffie40

Puffie40

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I have a sporterized No. 1 Lee Enfield that I would like to improve the overall appearance of.

The bluing is just about non-existant on the reciever, and I would like to attempt to do a DIY bluing job. However, I would like to try somthing other than the (Regular) cold-bluing solutions.

I was considering Rust Bluing, but unless I can find some of that rusting solution up here, I can't go that way, and Hot bluing would be a last resort.

What solution would you recommend?

Also, I would like to change the scope mounting on this guy. I has the weaver mount on it right now, and I would like to change it out for a williams scope base This seems to be a more ridgid scope mount than the weaver. Does anyone think otherwise / recommend another mount?

Finally, I would like to try and remove the front sight from the barrel. It does not have any screws (That I can see) and I believe it is a Marble sight. I tried heating it with a propane torch to no avail. If it was silver solder, would I have to go hotter?
 
Check the headspace before you do anything else.
"...other than the (Regular) cold-bluing solutions..." Cold bluing is meant for touching up wear. However, the paste type will give you a better finish. The prep work makes a difference for any bluing job. Probably not a big deal for a bubba'd No. 1 though.
You may want to look into one of the new metal coatings. Duracoat, etc. Comes in assorted colours and are durable. No special equipment is required either.
Hot bluing requires a bunch of special equipment. Starting with a room that has no ferrous metals you care about in the room. The salts get in the air and will leave a fine coat of rust on everything ferrous.
"...silver solder..." Should come off with regular propane heat. It may be brazed or welded on.
"...scope mounting..." Six of this, half dozen of the other, really. If you opt for the Williams, you don't have to buy from Brownell's or any place else Stateside. Williams stuff is fairly common in Canada.
 
I just got the SM-70 scope mount from Brownells. Looks like I have to mill the rear loop down a little to get it to fit.

Duracoat sounds a lot like epoxy paint. I dunno... I think I'll opt for a bluing job...
 
The rear sight base is pinned to the barrel. With a small punch drive it out right to left. Parker Hale unstalled a fold down Lyman in the area where the pin was located by cutting a dovetail. If your not using a rear sight reinstall the pin and polish flush to the barrel surface.

Careful on your coice of a scope mount....generally holes don't line up manufacturer to manufacturer....Parker Hale might work for you? Is the Weaver a side mount?

Rust bluing can be done.....someone on the site was selling it...do a search once the feature has been restored. Follow the directions....lots of prep work however you get a great job in the end.

No1's can be cleaned up to make a very attractive hunting rifle...just look at a Lee Speed.
 
This enfield was sporterized by "Churchills" of London

The weaver is a top mount. I don't completely like how the base looks (It doesn't look solid) which is part of the reason why I want to change it out. I am willing to do a bit of modification to get the base to fit if necessary.

The rear sight was a williams WGOS set. It was missing the blade part, so I took it off. (The screw were breaking up anyway (Wuh?))

Looking at the front sight just now, I thought I could make out a Circle hinting a screw was at the back end of the sight, but sanding the surface did not reveal anything... I try a little bit of cold blue and see if the different metal would show up.
 
I have had pretty good results with Bue Wonder which comes in 2 shades; black and blue. It is available here in BC. I did an old Browning Double Auto and the owner was very pleased. I suggest you use the black formula rather than the blue.
 
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