Lee Enfield

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Hey all looking for some input or info on this rifle. I am fairly certain it is a RSAF No1 ShtLE Mk3 by what's left of the markings. The rest may have gotten scrubbed off by the refurbisher I suppose. It has obviously been sporterized at some point, is this where the rear peep sight comes from? Is that the original front sight? Can anyone tell me anything about the markings on the bolt? Lastly, what should I do with this thing? I picked it up reasonably cheap on auction and every Canadian should probably own a Lee Enfield. I would like to bring it back to original glory is it worth it considering the modifications? Should it be blued again? Or was it ever blued? Bore looks great likely been rebarrelled. I certainly don't mind the tinkering aspect but I am sort of bothered by the added peep sign that had to be drilled and tapped to the receiver. I am not looking to make any money off of this just would like to have a decent shooter when I am done.
 
I am not an expert but it looks like a no1 mk3. Sights are not original, barrel has been chopped and the forearm and stock has been worked into a European style. It does not look like a factory sporter conversion. I think someone had the same idea that you have. It is not a bad looking rifle. How is the head spacing and rifling? The rifling is two grove so not worth pumping a tonne of money into a project IMO. I would just shoot it as it is. I pick up a no4 mk1 in November for $140 and added a $20 tripod, $10 sling, $10 bullet caddy and a $1 Canadian flag... that is all the mods I am doing to mine. Lol.

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Doesn't look like a chopped barrel to me. It 25"? It is missing the safety and the drilled and tapped rear sight may be original except for the Crappy Tire screws. Any screw holes for a military rear sight on the barrel. Thinking it might be a commercial rifle vs ravaged by bubba.
By bolt markings, you mean the 'M'? That's R.O.F. Maltby.
Can't see enough of the crossed flags. Crossed flags being proof marks. South African having a 'U' over a 'P'.
Cost a bundle to restore either way. Before you do anything or spend a nickel, check the headspace.
 
I wouldn't put too much stock into the two groove barrel business. I have seen a few shoot like a house on fire. Looks like a nice sporter.
 
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The barrel is full length. Front sight is original. The barrel date would be a clue about the rifle being rebarrelled. The rear sight, stamped "Watson" is likely commercial aftermarket, rather than homemade.
Try the rifle. If it shoots to your satisfaction, great.
It really isn't the best candidate to restore to as issued condition.
 
don't be confused by the No4 pic

you have a No1 Mk3 that someone put a bridge on and a peep sight.

very interesting conversion

like tiriaq said not the best candidate for restoration with the extra holes in the rear of the reciever
 
There is no markings on the the barrel whatsoever which is partly the reason I believe it to be re-barreled, the rifle does not even have caliber stamped. I realize this rifle probably is only worth mere dollars in parts for an as issued rebuild. I paid only mere dollars for the rifle as is. I have since come to realize that the barrel is of original length and it does have the original tapping for the rear sight. I am going to buy a box of .303 and see how it shoots as is next days off. If it shoots alright in its condition I will probably re-stock it and fix the safety and run it in my clubs service rifle comp now and again, just for cheap fun. These rifles tend to surprise in my experience. My father has a sporterized No 4 MK1 that is unreal accurate. He bought it in the golden age of 25 dollar surplus rifles at home hardware. we rebuilt the bolt last time I was home and I shot probably 10 rounds through it but everyone was dead on from the hip at 50yds, shoots better than me. I will keep searching for a rebuild that will do the heritage justice.
 
A SMLE barrel will have a lateral crosspin hole and a clearance hole for the rear sight spring retaining screw on top. From the photo, I cannot tell what sort of collar is on the barrel.
You are going to find that even if the rifle were free, the cost of restoring it to issued condition is going to be significant. Doesn't mean that you shouldn't do it, just means that it won't be cheap.
If you start with a sported rifle that has a safety assembly and a complete rear sight it would be easier.
There was mention above of two groove barrels; these are common on No.4 rifles. SMLEs will invariably have 5 groove barrels. Alternatives were authorized, but not put into production.
 
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