putting a scope on a leenfield .303

ROBPECKFORD

ROBPECKFORD

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
72   0   0
i got a leenfield no1 mk3, at least thats what i think it is, the date on it says 1910, unfortuneately i recieved it sporterized, and would like to have a scope for it, however if this is going to cost me big $$ i might just not bother. anyone have any ideas? does it have to be drilled and tapped by a gunsmith? if so how much does that usually cost?
 
If the receiver is not already drilled and tapped, then don't go that way. If the barrel is not shortened it would be a great candidate for a de-sporterizing project. If you drill it then, well, that's a lot less interesting.

To scope a No1Mk3, grab one that's already drilled and tapped, these are everywhere, you'll be able to find one.

Lou
 
I much prefer the old Parker Hale bases and rings to the Weaver base and rings. A much stronger set up. Like Lou says, it's a shame to drill it if it hasn't been molested. You might even be able to trade with someone who has a drilled sporter and is looking for a restorable rifle provided the bore is good. I mounted P-H base and rings on a friends 1917 LE that was rebarrelled(FTR1953) and it shoots a little over one inch 3 shot groups at 100 yards and has a fantastic trigger pull. Pretty hard to beat that for a $150 rifle.
 
1910 smle

louthepou said:
If the receiver is not already drilled and tapped, then don't go that way. If the barrel is not shortened it would be a great candidate for a de-sporterizing project. If you drill it then, well, that's a lot less interesting.

To scope a No1Mk3, grab one that's already drilled and tapped, these are everywhere, you'll be able to find one.

Lou
Click to expand...

As noted above, if the rifle has not been modified, drilled and tapped and the barrel has not been shortened, it would be worth more to you if this model was put back into original shape. SMLE rifles made before 1914 are very desireable models, because of limited production for that date.

If you keep watching the EE, these rifles show up quite frequently, and many are already drilled and tapped, and have scope mounts already on them. You should be able to get one for under $150 easily. If there is no great sentimental value attached to your present SMLE, then you could advertise your rifle on the EE, and sell it. One of the members who love to put these rifles back into condition would grab it, simply because of the date.
.
 
Where you are matters.
Check the headspace before you spend any money. Then look into an ATI 'no smithing' mount. Runs around $70Cdn. Replaces the rear sight though.
 
ARE you guys suggesting that I unsporterize this model??? or trade it for what i want? i may be alittle reluctant to trade it because it is in mint condition.... other than the butt stock being a little loose.......
 
The butt stock being even a "little" loose is a problem. You can't shoot a bang stick with a loose butt stock and expect any accuracy. If the rifle is in good shape { not to bubba's standards} I would say restore it to full dress,learn to shoot iron sights and enjoy. If it's a hunting rifle your after, buy an Enfield that is already set up for a scope. Check EE lots around for sale. Just my .02
 
ROBPECKFORD said:
ARE you guys suggesting that I unsporterize this model??? or trade it for what i want? i may be alittle reluctant to trade it because it is in mint condition.... other than the butt stock being a little loose.......
Click to expand...

You could either restore it yourself, otr sell/trade it to someone who could do it themselves. 1910 also does not sound like a very common year, most I see are 1914, 1916, 1917 and 1918.

Their are plenty of really good condition Enfield sporters with drilled and tapped receivers. i am sure if you posted it for sale or trade you could find a buyer.
 
As 84mm, currently one of the few decent places selling parts for a refurb job on a No1Mk3 is Numrich. They probably don't have all the parts in stock, but likely have many. It's a rewarding project, but, my humble 2 cents: Do read about what's involved and ask questions before getting started. It's not just slapping the parts on the gun, there is more involved. Having said that , the No1Mk3, as-issued, is my favorite gun to shoot! (yeah, I think I hear many say "Big surprise!") :D

Lou
 
ROBPECKFORD said:
i actually like entertaining the idea of restoring it to original condition..... is there a place that sells the wood?
Click to expand...

Most of the sources of wood sell less than pristine wood. Often there is an Ishy screw through the forend. Finding wood that is as nice as the rifle sounds is not easy.

Are you sure it says 1910?
 
With all the demand for restoring milsurp's one would think someone is machining "new" wood for these guns. This would kill collectors value but would still put nice guns in our greedy little hands. Perfect solution for beating the bubba out of a shooter. Anyone know if a contact exists?
 
i am gonna restore it because all the metal is in really good shape, and i prefer the looks of a non sporterized lee enfield. and I am pretty sure it says 1910,,, on the wirst .. i believe its called the wrist it says .... from top to bottom

GR
1910
Sht LE
III*

the zero is hard to make out..... but i sware it is a zero.... ive got a good pic of it but i am having trouble posting on here.....someone give me your email and i will let you look at it as well
 
ROBPECKFORD said:
i am gonna restore it because all the metal is in really good shape, and i prefer the looks of a non sporterized lee enfield. and I am pretty sure it says 1910,,, on the wirst .. i believe its called the wrist it says .... from top to bottom

GR
1910
Sht LE
III*

the zero is hard to make out..... but i sware it is a zero.... ive got a good pic of it but i am having trouble posting on here.....someone give me your email and i will let you look at it as well
Click to expand...

Good choice, its a very enjoyable project to take on. You enjoy doing it, and learn about the rifles history and how it works in the process. All are benefits to me.

Also, after you track down all the parts, get the stock fitted to the rifle just right, and get everything set up correctly, its really rewarding to step back, look at it, then take it to the range for the test firing. Some people spend years tracking down the absolutely correct parts (such as correct make, year, markings, style, ect) so you can imagine the satisfaction of completing a restoration like that.
 
If you want to look for a rifle for hunting visit some local gun auctions, there are all sorts of lee Enfield bubba jobs that go up for auction at these things... just check em out well before buying.

I was at an auction this weekend and all excited about picking up a Long Branch No.4 MKI, until I saw that bubba poked 6, count em six holes in the receiver!!! Some people just shouldn't be allowed to use drills.
 
I may be wrong but if your rifle is marked III* then I don't think it is 1910. I believe the III* began in 1916 to speed production during the war. The rear sight was simplified and the magazine cutoff were removed. Take this with a grain of salt as I'm not an expert. I don't think this has any bearing on whether to restore it or not.
 
its hard to tell with the last number is its a zero.... i sware it is though... i dont see it being any other number tho....it could be a 1916????
 
I am in the process of refurbishing a no1 mkIII that i inherited. The stock is in pretty bad shape but luckily it has not been sporterized. I ordered a complete walnut stock set (excellent condition) and schematics from nurmrich and the total cost was $118. I can not wait to get it to the range
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom