No.1 Mk.3 project

cote_b

cote_b

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So, I just bought a sportized No.1 Mk.3 via text from my buddy who lives 4 hrs from me. Wanted to get an estimate on the value so I gave him an estimate of 150$ and then bought it. Its a 1918 production, all matching, not cut or drilled/tapped in what looks like pretty good condition. I really want to restore this to its former glory. I knew if I didn't buy it on the spot, some local fudd would have snatched it up and really ruined her.

What id like to know is, how hard is it going to be to de-sporterize this old girl? I think all I need is a replacement stock, nosecap and front sight protector. Im usually pretty knowledgeable about milsurps, but I can't tell where this one was made based on the stampings. Any ideas?

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Anything stamped on the top side of that receiver band or nearby, near the safety? Wondering if it could be a SSA or NRF...
 
Those are all the pics I got from him, but he is mailing it out tomorrow, so I'll get more pics and info when it arrives. Would a Standard Small Arms or National Rifle Factory Lee Enfield be unusual to find?
 
Mine was FTR'd in '53. They scrubbed all the right side butt socket markings and electro penciled FTR 1953 on the left receiver wall. They left the NRF stamp on the receiver to the left of the bolt near the cocking piece when the bolt is closed.
 
Well now I really can't wait to get this rifle now to see if I have stumbled upon a rare one. I plan to restore it regardless, but I hope this ends up being a SSA or NRF
 
I have 2 - 1918 BSA #1 mkIII*s....one in .303 and the other .410 shotty. Gratefully restored by Louthe pou here on Gunnutz. by the pics, i would say you will need all parts except your action, barrel and bolt.
 
You will also need a rear sight protector and screw, spring and plunger for the nosecap. Middle band, swivel and screw. 2x screws for the nosecap. front and rear handguards. The hardest part to find will the forestock. There is a company in England making new production ones but they are $$$$$.
 
that's EFD in England. There are fore ends coming up on ebay regularly but my God you have to want them bad. There was a No1 MkIII* fore end set I saw with nosecap etc with 4 days left that was already up to $165.
 
flying pig, thats great news that this is likely a SSA or NRF! By the sounds of it, I've taken on quite the project. I needed this like a hole in the head, but I could bear the idea of this endng up being sold to a fudd and being drilled and tapped etc. I'll post more pics and info once I get it!
 
Well, I got er today. Guess what boys! Its an NRF!! Barrel has some light rust on the outside, but the bore looks decent. Gonna be one heck of a project. One big question I have is if some parts or variations of parts are specific to SSA or NRF rifles, like the sling mounts or anything?. Id like this to be as original as possible. Im thinking I can salvage the buttstock on this one atleast.
 
If you want to go all 'proper' you need to finish it off with BSA or Enfield parts. Do you have the Lee Enfield Story yet? Skennterton had some really good info on the peddled scheme rifles in there. They finished these up with parts from both manufacturers. But it is a Lee-Enfield, and it may have ended up with parts from any manufacturer and any parts at all that work on it. I have an LSA with RFI, BSA, and Enfield parts, a Longbranch with Faz, BSA, and Savage parts as well as Longbranch. They are neat critters, they've been all over the world and back more times than any of us can count.
 
cote_b said:
Well this should be a fun project! Any ideas on solvents or methods to get the surface rust off the barrel?
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Clean with brakleen then dry polish with 0000 steel wool. You have to have the nmetal clean and dry. Any oil will create a grinding compound that will eat the finish. When done oil as normal.
 
the butt stock will need to be replaced its been altered near the pistol grip the rounded knob is not the correct profile should be straight hook that the back of your hand fits up against
 
also forgot to mention,take a 303 cartridge and stick the bullet end in the mussel if it goes all the way down to the brass shell caseing its a good indication the barrel is wore out but if there is approx quarter inch from caseing to mussel ,its a good indication you have a good barrel which is what you need to know befour you spend 250-300 to make this into a no1mk111 full wood restroration.usually the ftr rifles have good barrels
 
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