New to the world of the Lee Enfield.

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saskadude

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Location
Saskatchewan
My dad recently mailed me his old Lee Enfield today. It's a sporter, not a Parker Hale or BSA. Apprently a no.1 Mk.III, Lithgow made in 1920. The action seems to work smoothly, as does the safety, magazine and trigger. I do have a couple of questions though, and I know the good folks on this forum will help me out, right?

1. I tried the bullet tip and stuck the end down the muzzle, seems to be about an eighth of an inch (maybe more) sticking up. Is this a shootable bore? Rifling looks shiny and no pitting.

2. The butt stock seems a little loose. Should I be concerned if and when I shoot this?

3. I know i should get it checked out by a gunsmith before I shoot it, but gunsmiths are not that plentiful in my area (at least not to my knowledge).

Anything else I should know, besides the gigantic smile I will have on my face when I take it to the range :).
 
My 1943 Lithgow muzzle/bullet test showed similar results to yours, and it shoots great! The butt stock should not be loose, I'm pretty sure Smellie will chime in for more info on that. As far as getting a smith to check it over, sure wouldn't hurt, I sand bagged mine up and used a remote cord for a few shots first. Again, somebody with more extensive knowledge will chime in.
 
Bullet test shows a bore that it tight enough to be a good shooter.

Check the EDGES of the LANDS (the parts of the rifling that stick UP inside the barrel). When they get worn to a rounded shape, you are definitely losing accuracy.

The Butt tightens easily, but you will need a screwdriver with about a 10-inch shaft. Ordinary slot-type. Open the Butt Trap (the little door in the Buttplate), remove anything that might be in there and screw the Stock Bolt solid. Problem solved.

Where are you in Sask? I'm 20 minutes from the border, on Number 1.
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Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. Fixed the but with my biggest screwdriver and she's nice and tight now. Handling it makes me want to buy another, that's normal right?

Smellie, I live in North Battleford on the other side of the province.
 
BTW, 1920 is rather a scarce year for Lithgows.

Also a Word to the Wise: don't take the damned SAFETY apart unless you have to. There are 6 possible ways to put it back together and 5 of them are wrong!

You should post a pic when you get time. A 1920 Lithgow is scarce enough that it could well be worth restoring, so long as the barrel hasn't been chopped. If you want to scope it, use a NO-DRILL mount. They ARE available.

In my opinion, the Lee-Enfield is the absolute perfection of the 4-motion bolt rifle. They are slick and they are fast and they can really shoot if given a chance.

If you are handloading for your rifle (half-price ammo AND it's better stuff) be sure to use flat-based bullets. The Enfield-type rifling in these has a definite preference for flat-based bullets AND they are cheaper than boat-tails. My rifles like the 180 Sierra Pro-Hunter and the 150 Hornady Spire Point, seated to the OAL of a Ball cartridge. 38 grains of 4895 for the Sierras, 40 grains of 4064 for the Hornadys. Very accurate in my rifles.

Hope this helps.

Treasure that rifle; it's a gift from a pretty important guy.
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The tip of the bolt that holds the buttstock on has a square tip, which engages a small steel plate inletted into the rear of the forend.
If this plate was in place, and you turned the screw, you may have sprung the plate and cracked the rear of the forend.
If you have occasion to remove the forend, this is something you might want to check.
 
I will post a pic or two sometime today. At some point the receiver was drilled and tapped for a weaver mount and front and rear sights... Well, let's just say they are not standard issue. Doesn't appear to be any cracks with a light tightening of the buttstock. That being said, the wood is not in fantastic on the fore end to begin with and if I could find an inexpensive replacement, it might be worth changing.
 
Well there are worst things than starting a Lee Enfield addiction with a No1Mk3 Lithgow! Enjoy and keep this gun busy (they hate to rust away in a cupboard)

Lou
 
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