enfield restoration labour cost?

TRIGGERFISH

TRIGGERFISH

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I have an Enfield No.4 MK1 303 that I am considering getting restored. Mechanically all parts metal and wood are in good shape. Rifles shoots and operated well. Wood is good but in desperate need of a makeover. Any ideas on a price range for having a gunsmith refinish the wood, strip all parts off the gun for black oxiding, or blueing ?
thanks
 
Figure about $300.00 of work, but it will reduce the rifle to a $100.00 value since it will no longer have any collector's value or interest.
 
okay, never considered the value drop, Im not going to sell it anyway, just wanted to get the cobb webs out of it and play with it from time to time. Thanks for the reply
 
For what it would cost you, purchase an Enfield in good condition, and sell the one you have. The difference in price between the two rifles will probably be about the same as the cost of the gunsmithing work you are looking at, and the rifle won't have to lose it's historical / collector's appeal.
 
Triggerfish, JP's right. but there's another avenue.

Just a good cleaning would do well and not reduce the value; don't reblue the metal or varnish the wood. Oil the metal bits, and if the wood is in need of care, use a tiny amount of pure linseed oil and rub that on the wood.
 
its original, hasn't been used in years..Gramps passed away and it was found in his basement..I like the linseed oil idea and keeping it original.
 
I done a lot of comp enfields for guys. 400-500 will get you trig work, glass bed free float,tight headspace,lapped lugs, sights tight, long butt, newer barrel plus more and yes it will maintain collector/shooter value. When finished my Lee Enfields won many Grand Aggregates at ORA Vintage, Wentworth Historical, London Ottawa area matches etc.
I've done work for full Colonels, Chiefs, people on this board and yes mine has got me silverware too.
I'm not looking for work, but there are a lot of talented guys out there too who might.
 
louthepou said:
Triggerfish, JP's right. but there's another avenue.

Just a good cleaning would do well and not reduce the value; don't reblue the metal or varnish the wood. Oil the metal bits, and if the wood is in need of care, use a tiny amount of pure linseed oil and rub that on the wood.
Click to expand...

Agree with Lou, A darn good cleaning and oiling will bring her back to life. any pictures of it?

Pete
 
Just a small add. as folks have said, Boiled Linseed oil. The pure stuff will take ages to dry. A small amount on the wood , rub until it soaks into the wood, DO NOT douse the entire stock in the stuff, work one area at a time. let sit for a while wipe off excess, when dry apply more until satisfied.
Other things first.
Any household cleaner that will work on your furniture will work on the wood. (just to remove dirt and grime) Use the least invasive stuff.
Dents can be steamed out by laying a damp washcloth on the affected part and using an iron to drive the steam into the wood to expand it. but won't work if the wood is crushed.

Above all, PATIENCE. It didn't get that way overnight.
 
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