Rust inside the barrel of a 1896 Lee-Enfield

[CIL]

Sorry, not really familiar with gunsmithing issues... I got a Magazine Lee Enfield, an early model from 1896, infantry rifle with a 30 inches barrel! Stayed in an old woman's small barn for about 15-20 years.

If something can be done for the rust located inside of the barrel? I don't know how to remove the bolt for a better inspection, but from the end of the barrel, the rust looks like somewhat severe.

Even if the bayonet holder and long-range dial sight are missing, the wood is amazingly in good condition. Match serial number on receiver and bolt. Very old leather sling, rust free magazine, bolt and receiver, etc. Is this rifle have any significant $ value?

 

[mooncoon]

I think that I would start with a good scrubbing with a wire bore brush. If it looks necessary and worthwhile continuing further, I would probably use a cloth patch with valve grinding compound on it. If the barrel is as bad as you seem to be describing, it is not going to hurt it. Be sure to clean the abrasive out with oily patches

cheers mooncoon

 

[nate18]

welcome and good luck

 

[woodchopper]

to remove the bolt, move to bolt to the rear of the action, fully open. Then rotate the bolt head up out of the track, might be very stiff. Then the bolt should slide out.

good luck

 

[RobSmith]

I'd start with a good old normal cleaning with a bronze or nylin brush and some foaming bore cleaner just to see what you have to work witgh. For everything else it would be OOOO steel wool, oil, and lots of elbow grease. I find that most "rusty" rifles clean right up.

 

[CIL]

Thanks to all of you. I will first remove the bolt, and after follow your other instructions.

 

[Wolf]

You may want to try the

# Corrective Action "E" (Electrolytic Rust Removal - aka reverse plating process):

http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/motorcycle/how_to/mc_tankrust.html