Lee Enfields

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oldknotty

New member
I have just been lucky enough to acquire two british .303 Lee Enfield rifles .They need to be restored and cleaned up considerably , does anyone have any suggestions as to how to begin this restoration to shooting standards ?? What I may need to do it would be helpful ,i really want to keep some of the patina and the dings and dents as that is all history but i want it to look clean and well maintained after i am done not black and grimy and rusty :-)
Thanks Martin
 
first you'll need to post pictures so we know exactly what condition they're in.

then you need to remember that cosmetic damage or blemishes are to be expected and perfectly pristine rifles are likely to be refurbs and not worth nearly as much. things like steel wool and clear coat do more to damage the rifle than clean them up. some fine grit sand paper on the wood and coat of linseed oil can work wonders on wood and a fine brass bristled brush and some CLP or other oil/cleaner can clean up any rust.
 
Absolutely!
More collectable guns have had the value dropped by over-restoration than anything else.
Pics, lotsa lotsa pics so we can give specific advice.;)
 
Ok I will take the pics tomorrow it is too dark right now and a flash is deceiving :-) Martin
While i am at it what do i use to restore the finish to the original black !!
 
It will vary depending on the exact model. Early rifles were blued, later ones painted over a phosphate coat. Some U.S. Made ones were parkerised & not painted at all. The original black paint was called "Suncorite 259" Its hard to find as it was deemed carcinogenic. Its a baked on finish as well so if you could find some you'd need the heat cure oven to use it properly.
It is available in the U.K. but in 55 gallon drums & importing just kills the deal.

IIRC there was one custom MilSurp restorer doing the finish a few years back. Unfortunately I don't remember who he was though, maybe someone else will.
 
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Yeah, you may be surprised - they may be shootable as is. Check the bore condition (shiny or dark?). Check for loading and unloading ability, following all safety rules. Drop a wooden dowel down the bore of an unloaded rifle, eraser-first, move the gun from straight up to slightly more than 90 degrees, and pull the trigger - does the dowel shoot out the muzzle? If so, you're firing pin is working. Any noticeable missing parts?
 
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