SSA No1MkIII* ... desporterise?

[bingefister]

Hey there, friends.

Several years ago, I bought a 1917 No1MkIII*, from a retired farmer. It had been sporterised (cut down wood, and patterns carved into the butt and forestock), but had number matching barrel, receiver, and bolt. I bought it as a shooter, but it turned out to be an SSA ...so I spent some time tracking down parts and new wood, and I pretty much have them all. The wood is an awfully tight fit; and the buttstock is substantially wider than the waist. Do I just sand it/whittle it down until things fit? And then refinish the wood?

 

[bingefister]

Aaand then I found the sticky.

 

[live4therut]

Nice to find an SSA, they made less then 2% of total smle production. I can't help you with your decision but I could provide pics of what my orginal numbers matching 1917 & 1918 SSA's look like and you can go from there

 

[MartyT]

I also just came recently into possession of a 1918 SSA. Matching numbers on metal but was sportered. It is in mint condition otherwise. Looks nearly new although i cant imagine it is. If you already have all the parts why not put it back to its original glory. Can always swap in the sporter stock if you want to use it that way down the road.