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Monday, June 25, 2012

Sporterizing the Lee Enfield -- Update

Mk. III 

I'm re-sporterizing several Lee Enfields, a No. 4 Mk. 1 and a III, to go along with an original, 'mil-spec' No. 4. I see three gun Enfield shoots on the horizon. But why go to all the effort of fixing up these old guns.

No. 4 Mk. 1 Sporter


Well, there's that old Lee Enfield magic, which every Lee enthusiast knows only too well. Also, I figured that for the price of a Walmart synth stock 30-06 I could have several custom, accurate, rifles with some history. But there's another reason. The project's a challenge, issued by my pal and yours, the Suburban Bushwacker. SBW got right down to it, "If anyone should be required, by law, to have a sporterized Lee Enfield, it's you, LSP."

Sand, Sand, Sand


I couldn't let that pass and the rest's history. Two Enfields later I'm about half way through the first. Metal's polished, military butt's rubbed and a new forestock's ordered (Boyds, walnut). Next step is inletting the barreled receiver, rust bluing the metal (I can do it "on porch" and want to learn the skill), re-crown muzzle, get new iron sights + optic mount and.. shoot the thing. I'm aiming for a classic, Lee Speed, type of thing. safari rifle on a budget.

WWI Carbine Mod


But what about the #4? I'm tempted towards a short barrel, WWI style carbine mod. It'd be easy to recreate and serve as a useful brush gun. Ten shots of hog-slaying ultra power, or whatever.

So. Next step in the project's finishing off the III.

Stay tuned and shoot straight.

LSP


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4 comments:

  1. G. TingeyJune 26, 2012 at 12:23 AM

    In re-energising old tools, such as a 50-year-old large "King Dick" adjustable spanner, I've found that a spray with WD-40, followed by a gentle scrub/polish using very fine grade "scotchbrite" padding is very good at removing surface rust, part-blueing the remainder, and polishing up the metal itself, without abrading much off the true metal surface.
    I find your wood-filling techniques fascinating.

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  2. BorepatchJune 26, 2012 at 4:07 AM

    You know, I'd love to do the Mad Minute some day. I dare say that would be even more fun that three gun.

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  3. LSPJune 26, 2012 at 9:07 AM

    Thanks, GT.

    Filling the grain in the wood means a lot of sanding and, er, patience. But the result's well worth it. I'll be posting more pics as the project moves ahead.

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  4. LSPJune 26, 2012 at 9:08 AM

    Ah Hah! Mad .303 minute(s). Good call, Borepatch.

    ReplyDelete