Where can I find a guide/resource to restore a No1 Mk3 Lee Enfield?
- Thread starter jonyork
- Start date
Warning, it's an addictive hobby...
I would suggest that you start with a good ROF sporter with matching bolt, barrel and receiver. Make sure the bore rates very good. These can still be found at gun shows for around $100. Personally, I avoid Australian (Lithgow) sporters only because correct parts are more difficult to find. The parts you will need will for a full ROF No1 MkIII resto will run you roughly $300 to $400 depending on what you need and how fussy you are. I buy most metal bits like barrel bands and screws off of eBay. Upper hand guards (the long one) are getting very difficult to find. However very good repros come up for sale on this site from time to time, as well as other misc parts. Your biggest challenge will likely be finding a decent stock forearm. Expect to pay at least $150 for one in very good condition. Note that some are walnut and some are beechwood, and it can be difficult to distinguish between the two in photographs. My preference is walnut. I've restored numerous No1 MkIII's but there are guys on here with more experience at it than me. Liberty Tree Collectors is a good source for Enfield parts too, but these days most of their stock seems to be well worn and DP marked. Good luck!
I would suggest that you start with a good ROF sporter with matching bolt, barrel and receiver. Make sure the bore rates very good. These can still be found at gun shows for around $100. Personally, I avoid Australian (Lithgow) sporters only because correct parts are more difficult to find. The parts you will need will for a full ROF No1 MkIII resto will run you roughly $300 to $400 depending on what you need and how fussy you are. I buy most metal bits like barrel bands and screws off of eBay. Upper hand guards (the long one) are getting very difficult to find. However very good repros come up for sale on this site from time to time, as well as other misc parts. Your biggest challenge will likely be finding a decent stock forearm. Expect to pay at least $150 for one in very good condition. Note that some are walnut and some are beechwood, and it can be difficult to distinguish between the two in photographs. My preference is walnut. I've restored numerous No1 MkIII's but there are guys on here with more experience at it than me. Liberty Tree Collectors is a good source for Enfield parts too, but these days most of their stock seems to be well worn and DP marked. Good luck!
It seems likely you can remove that foresight ramp. I found the best resource to be CGN, Gunboards, and Milsurps.com.
Expect to spend around $400 restoring it, and realize that the resale value will likely NOT be more than what you put into it, although with Enfield prices lately, you never know.
I guess I'm saying you should go into this as a labour of love and a learning experience. If that's your expectation, you'll be happy.
Expect to spend around $400 restoring it, and realize that the resale value will likely NOT be more than what you put into it, although with Enfield prices lately, you never know.
I guess I'm saying you should go into this as a labour of love and a learning experience. If that's your expectation, you'll be happy.
boltonscouter
CGN frequent flyer
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If you could get the pair cheap enough then you could use the bolt & mag from the top one with the barrel of the bottom one as the basis of a mixmaster build as a good first learning project.
you can remove the front site ramp quite easily the barrel is on cut it looks like a nice sporter .The rifle with out the mag and the bolt also as some woodwork done on the but stock but the other looks like a good restoration project but like was said earlier you will not get back what you put in financially but it is very interesting to say the least to restore it
