enfield horror

[woodchopper]

got this e-mail

I have a No4 that I was in process of cleaning the cosmoline off of. Om the
left side of receiver it is stamped
No4 MK2 (F)
3 / 54 PF 32###x

Is this one you are looking for. I was thinking of sporterizing it for my
son. I love shooting the 303's as does he.
This is in original condition and shoots great. Most people cant handle the
Military sights but I have seemed to master them over the years
Even at my age (69) I can hold a 3 to 4 inch group at 100 yards with off the
shelf ammo.
Condition is good mechanicaly very good. has nicks and dents in stock and
fore stock but nothing serious

Sent a long reply on how this was not a good ideal and would destroy a desireable collectable and very shootable rifle. Not to mention the loss of value. 40 years ago everyone was sporterizing these rifles, so I suspect that the sender had no ideal of what he had sitting there.

I also invited the sender here, perhaps he will join, learn, and comment.

 

[Vimy Ridge]

We can only hope it will be saved. Funny thing is he could sell that and buy 2 or 3 sporters with the money.

 

[louthepou]

Nice save! (I hope...) I find that usually, once you take the time to explain two things - 1. the history value and 2. the commercial value, folks tend to reconsider their plan...

Lou

 

[CKWang]

How much does it cost to restore a sporterized enfield? I got a 1916 1/III* that I really want to see in its former glory.

 

[tiriaq]

You know, though, it would be entirely possible to set the barrelled action up in a sporting stock set for hunting, without altering it in any way.

 

[louthepou]

How much does it cost to restore a sporterized enfield? I got a 1916 1/III* that I really want to see in its former glory.

You can spend little (say, maybe $150), or a lot more; some of this depends on if you do the work yourself, where you find the parts, what shape the parts are in...

Typically, I will spend between 10 and 20 hours on a complete refurb job for a No1 Mk3.

Lou

 

[CKWang]

Thanks, Louthepou

 

[John Sukey]

How much does it cost to restore a sporterized enfield? I got a 1916 1/III* that I really want to see in its former glory.

Depends, If the barrel has not been cut, it's worth the effort, If bubba has shortened the barrel, forget it.
If the reciever has been drilled for a scope, forget it.
If the charger bridge has been buggered, forget it.
In the above cases, you will find it cheaper to buy a complete rifle.
Now I would suggest going to www.skennerton.com and putting out the $10 for the Small Arms Identification Series booklet on the SMLE It has exploded parts diagrams and a bit of history. When you find a supplier who has parts, you will know what bits you need.
Miss a couple ot small bits, and you are going to be charged shipping and handling for those bits you forgot to order the first time around.

 

[klaus enuff]

louthepou, I keep seeing your name thrown out when people ask about restoring Enfields. I see you are in Quebec and I am in BC, what is your advice on my restoring my Enfield? Do you know anyone out here? Or send it your way?

 

[louthepou]

louthepou, I keep seeing your name thrown out when people ask about restoring Enfields. I see you are in Quebec and I am in BC, what is your advice on my restoring my Enfield? Do you know anyone out here? Or send it your way?

PM about to be sent...

 

[Steppenwolf]

There is a fellow on Surplusrifleforum who bought an "in the wrap" No.4 who unwrapped it to use as a shooter. I realize it is his prerogative to do it, but the horror. Shooters aren't hard to find.