Restoring World War I No.1 Mk III SMLE Lee-Enfield -Part One-

In this video I make my first attempt to restore a 1918 BSA No.1 Mk III*, that has sadly been sporterized by a previous owner, to it's original military configuration. A while back I received this Drill Purpose Ishapore No.1 Mk 3* that I ordered from J&G sales with the hopes of using it as a parts gun to preform this restoration. This Ishapore rifle came in heavy cosmoline so the first step will be getting it disassembled and cleaned up enough to do a test fit of the parts.
Thanks for Watching!
‪@centuryarms‬
‪@JGSalesLtd‬
#WWI
#Enfield
#Restoration

[@domesticonion8026]

The stock disc being filled in with wood is actually something the british did at the tail end of ww1. They stopped really using it fairly early in the war, late war examples will mostly either have blank discs, disc holes that have been filled in with wood, or a lack of a disc hole entirely.

[@VintageArsenal]

I'm currently restoring an SMLE and ran into the exact same problem as you did; bought an Ishapore forestock that didn't fit because the reinforcing bar was in the way. The solution I think will work is to take the forestock to a gunsmith so he can grind through the bar just enough to allow the stock screw to fit. Best of luck to you in restoring that beautiful rifle!

[@ReadinessReviews]

I have considered this method and I could see it working. The second option is to grind off the end of the stock bolt until it's flush enough to fit.Either way it's going to take some fitting.

[@VintageArsenal]

@@ReadinessReviews I don't recommend grinding down the stock bolt too much because you might risk disconnecting the butt stock from the receiver, but grinding it down a little shouldn't mess anything up. I'd rather modify the forestock than the whole stock screw (mostly because finding the right screwdriver for it is almost impossible).

[@mr.m9218]

Readiness Reviews All you have to do is change the stock Bolt. Which is most likely a pattern one or two that you have currently because that Ishapore is a 8th pattern stock. It was not compatible with early pattern 1 and 2 bolts.

[@PM-ij2dx]

Not sure if it has not been mentioned, Post WWI buttstock bolts on the No1MkIII* had the square tip ground off to be the same as the No 4 stock bolt. This eliminated the issue of having to remove the forestock (disassemble the whole rifle) if the buttstock was in need of repair or replacing it to a different length.

[@ReadinessReviews]

Yup, Swapping the bolts is how I got this figured out in part 2.

[@plymouth5714]

@ P M: Thanks very much for that info! That explains why my 1914 LSA SMLE No1 MkIII stock bolt never seemed long enough to engage in the fore stock. My SMLE was a de-act with most of the small parts replaced over the years (and two World Wars) with later versions. I spent a year or two sourcing all the correct parts from as far as Canada and Australia to rebuild her back to her 1914 configuration - windage sights, nose cap with piling swivel, button cocking piece, replaced the missing cocking screw, added the magazine cut off back in and finally got both the long range volley sights back on (carving the fore stock to take the front volley was not for the faint hearted!) I finally got one of the metal re-enforcement plates which sat in the fore stock with the square cut out but the bolt never engaged with it - now I know why!

[@gregwilliams386]

Read an article by an Enfield armourer, he mentioned that there are instances of DP Enfields having been recovered from warehouse fires and sunken ships. The wood should be fine.

[@Exkhanvic]

I had no issue using Ishapore parts with a British barreled receiver

[@Itsjustmebeingme565]

Cosmoline is great for protecting your firearm but a big ole pain to clean off them lol. Looking forward to seeing your end result. Enjoyed the video.

[@ReadinessReviews]

This one was a mess.... It took all afternoon to get it cleaned up. Thanks for watching! Hope to have everything sorted out soon.

[@madd-mattmitchell917]

As Mr. M suggested change the stock bolt or you can file/grind the square protrusion off of the existing stock bolt. You are not taking the rifle into battle so there is no fear of the rear stock coming loose while "giving someone the business" with the butt of the rifle.

[@ReadinessReviews]

I just ended up swapping the bolts too. Everything came together well. The final video is up on my channel if you want to check it out.

[@boarzwid1002]

A couple of things here! Remove the cross lug 2 reinlet for BSA stock bolt 3 make a filler piece of scrap wood for the crossbar screws you won’t be reuseing it 4 acraglass back on the rifles with stock on use plenty of release agents 5 remouve forstock check forstock draws shim with wood or brass shimstock as nessasary. // the other way to go is keep the original BSA forstock but cut it right in the middle of the band,( like a duffle bag cut, then splice the ishapore Also duffle bag cut and dowel to original use acraglass and release agent on forstock band , or Grease cosmolene would work, blend forstock wood after 24 hrs , reinstall bands caps ECT

[@marilynscull4585]

Wow I have never seen a gun with so much oil. That is crazy. Awesome video RR. Can’t wait for part 2.

[@ReadinessReviews]

It was a mess. Took a lot of work to get cleaned up.

[@paulknisley6439]

Very informative video and helpful for when I restore my No 1Mk111 and I think it’s worth the money and time putting in back to original

[@ReadinessReviews]

Thanks! Part 2 will be coming out before long!

[@robertsmith4681]

You can probably grind off the end of the stock bolt so it doesn't stick out anymore.

[@ReadinessReviews]

I've been weighing my options and it's looking like that's the way I'm going.Thanks for the input and for watching.

[@erwinhoes5090]

i have never seen a rifle tutorial with ratteling full manual before

[@mr.m9218]

Just changed the stock bolt to the later pattern and then you will be fine

[@ReadinessReviews]

Very true. I'll have a update video on this project soon. Thanks for checking the video out!

[@alexr4493]

​@@ReadinessReviews Alternatively, you could probably just shorten your existing stock bolt using a hacksaw and following the basic procedure described here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIiXeJpmbax6fNk&feature=emb_title Edit: Just realized someone else already suggested something similar.

[@UltraLimitedHD]

I hope your over the years you've been able to heat your house interior higher than 60° 😮

[@jeffreyhebert5604]

Dude you are awesome..ty for your...etc...

[@ReadinessReviews]

....Thank you too??

[@drewmendonca5657]

Just change the butt stock bolt screw that's what I did with mine. The butt screw is the same size and that way the stock will fit.

[@ReadinessReviews]

Yeah I think that's what I'm going with. Thanks for checking the video out!!

[@drewmendonca5657]

@@ReadinessReviews of course your video is why I bought mine.

[@masonmitchell4050]

That stock will work. The stock bolt will not interface with the stock. Put it on! It takes a bit of wiggling around the sear to put it on. All Enfields are like that.

[@ReadinessReviews]

I'll try it.

[@dalanwanbdiska6542]

That stock bolt is just for looks . I think its on certain models on 303 britishes.

[@gwin2719]

Don’t be disheartened man, that was a good video and I learned something at least! Keep em coming, you earned a like and a sub :)

[@ReadinessReviews]

Thanks so much for the kind words! I'm not giving up. Lots more video content to come. Thanks for the sub!!!!!!!

[@tracyphillips3325]

Great video buddy. Very interesting process. I'm sure you will eventually find the proper parts to finish your restoration. Good luck 🤝

[@ReadinessReviews]

I'm working to get it figured out. Thanks for giving it a look brother.

[@tommystone4563]

The British put that in there rifle stocks too, it's to reinforce the stock, my 1918 No 1 Mk 3 has one on its stock...

[@ReadinessReviews]

Yeah it was a later addition to fix the issue with the stocks cracking.

[@loveandwar4474]

Measure twice cut once ,wink wink

[@ReadinessReviews]

Or just take a little off until it fits lol. You are correct though! thanks for checking the video out.

[@joshuahenderson]

Not gonna lie, I thought of the exact same idea for mine, which is an ishapore gri (1944). Was gonna buy a newer 1982 demilled ishapore and swap the stocks. But, mine would be made like the bsa, so that’s a no-go for me.

[@ReadinessReviews]

Watch part 2. I got it figured out.

[@joshuahenderson]

@@ReadinessReviews where’s it at???? Can’t find it!

[@joshuahenderson]

@@ReadinessReviews got it!

[@SmittyMRE]

Mmmm, delicious. Reminds me of some old ration gunk :P

[@ReadinessReviews]

That magazine was gnarly.

[@MultiMagnum62]

Very cool , RR . That is A lot of cosmoline, agreed. Shame on the glitch, in your plans. There is always, something !! Time will tell, what will transpire? We , will wait, for part 2. Personally, my personality, I would modify the , DP stock. Especially, if I was determined, to restore the old gun. We all think differently, LOL. Nicely done friend. Peace, John.

[@ReadinessReviews]

Thanks for watching buddy. It's looking like it may be possible to get it to fit with some modification. Hopefully I'll have a video on it before too long.

[@MultiMagnum62]

Very cool friend! Good luck.

[@vandemoovung8089]

You should try adding some metal washers at the rear stock main bolt

[@ReadinessReviews]

That's one of the best Ideas I've heard. I'll try that. Thanks!!

[@achillebelanger9866]

I did. A metal tube works best!

[@lukecouture8346]

Take a shot everything you hear the word cosmaline.. you won't make it through the video lol Great video though, appreciate the breakdown.

[@davidscott5493]

That stock will fit the rifle all you have to do is ether grand down the butt stock bolt a little bit or just put the Ishapore butt stock on your BSA if you do that it will be restored. The Ishapore factory shorten the bolt that holds the butt stock on the rifles because it can stick out a little to far and sometimes can crack the forarm if not put back on correctly. The best thing to do is just put the Ishapore butt stock on your BSA Enfield so you can fit the forarm on.

[@ReadinessReviews]

A couple of people have suggested that. I'm going to try it just need to find a long enough driver for the job. Thanks for the info!

[@dalanwanbdiska6542]

I used a big jug of acetone and shit came off . And i soaked it in acetone and she came out clean

[@ReadinessReviews]

Yeah I've heard of people doing that. I just haven't made an effort to buy a large quantity of acetone yet.

[@bradynturpen6554]

Is there a reason that my 2a1 wouldn’t be cycling probably?

[@boarzwid1002]

Looks like white Lethium grease sold by borebrite came in tooth paste tube no longer made

[@monta247]

Some of these supposedly gun folk can stand and complain about comoline when because of the qualities of it we have the preservation of antiques and remanants of history. Always Full of complaints yet attempting to sound lik a expert. All the while creating words and phrases, hoping they will catch. 😊

[@sengawng5976]

I have BRI 1943 No. 1 MK III*one rifle. Who know this rifle is how much? Please response to me. Thank you .

[@kevinstarling5637]

Use the stock bolt from the ishapore rifle it does not have a nipple on the end like your original 1918 therefore you do not have to modify anything as the bolt is inside the stock no one will see it

[@ReadinessReviews]

That's a really good idea! Do they use the same threads?

[@kevinstarling5637]

@@ReadinessReviewsI believe they do I used a stock bolt from a No4 Mk1 in my No1 Mk3 and the threads were the same

[@ReadinessReviews]

@@kevinstarling5637 Awesome. I'm going to give it a try as soon as I get a long enough driver. Thanks!

[@Bowhead31]

What was the point of drill purpose rifles? Were they non firing rifles used for training or were they actually functional?

[@ReadinessReviews]

Non firing rifles used for training. Some were build that way from the ground up and some were converted from normal rifles.

[@achillebelanger9866]

The U.S. Navy at Great Lakes Naval Training Station in World War Two used perfectly good U.S. Property Savage Enfields to destruction due to bolt / receiver wear. They were never fired,only used for Drill.

[@110665]

I understand not modifying for the history aspect but it not like its a high value gun. these rifle were made in the millions and im sure armorers modified them through the years. I was buying 1903 sporters and putting them back to original but now thier getting pricey.

[@ReadinessReviews]

Enfield prices are high right now too. The average online sale price lately has been $400+

[@baneofbanes]

1903s were made in the millions too.

[@gregwilliams386]

Why not use the existing bolt in the butt of the DP rifle?

[@ReadinessReviews]

That's most likely what I'll do

[@putramakbalin5734]

i want to order or buy grendle smle no 1, can i get it?

[@ReadinessReviews]

I'd start by checking local stores.

[@JerzeyCountry]

Hey! Just got an ishapore dp enfield same model, is it possible to restore the dp enfield? And range of cost to do so?

[@ReadinessReviews]

I wouldn't recommend trying to "restore" a DP rifle to a firing configuration. Many DP parts were never designed to be used in a live firearm. The pressure bearing parts could have incorrect heat treating making the firearm dangerous to shoot. On mine the receiver has a hole in it and the bore is plugged with a weld so at a minimum the receiver would need to be replaced. They are nice rifles for display or harvesting non-pressure bearing parts from. Thanks so much for watching! Hope you enjoy your rifle.

[@JerzeyCountry]

Readiness Reviews mine has the same dp with a hole and weld through the receiver. Thank you for the response! I plan on using it as decoration its my first ever firearm and i just bought a lower receiver to make my second which will be a custom ar.

[@ReadinessReviews]

@@JerzeyCountry Awesome man. I think that's the way to go!!

[@JerzeyCountry]

Readiness Reviews thank you! Have a great day and stay safe!

[@achillebelanger9866]

About the only possiblity is costly...but a fun project. Get a .22 Caliber Barrel Liner and have the .303 Barrel lined with it. Liners either Solder or cement in. Next modify the Centerfire Bolt Face and Extractor to .22 Rimfire. The Drill Purpose Enfield Magazine and Floorplate get used to hide a .22 Caliber Magazine. The old drilled Receiver and Barrel will need welding and filling to repair the DP Holes. Sub Caliber is the only way to go...other than a SARCO Barreled Receiver and a good used bolt from a non DP. A .22 Conversion would probably run $250. Restoring with Surplus Parts from SARCO maybe about the same. The Serial #s won't match either way.

[@Sinky-06]

Can I buy that bolt of the drill enfeild my bolt broke

[@ReadinessReviews]

I'm trying to keep both rifles as in-tact and original as possible.

[@Sinky-06]

Ok have you got eny other bits for sale

[@ReadinessReviews]

@@Sinky-06 I'm not really interested in selling. I'm pretty sure it's against the KZbin TOS anyway.

[@austinadams8792]

After reading the comments its seems like you're probably gonna Fudd this gun as much as the guy who originally sporterized it. Im really hoping you didn't grind off the back of the bolt. Also it looks like your "deactivated rifle" mostly needs a firing pin. I didn't see any major cuts or drills in your video.

[@ReadinessReviews]

Watch part 2

[@alancarnell5774]

Why does the female have to speak at 100mph? Why doen't the camera slow down and show the parts and bits. Poor quality and annoying to say the lease.

[@ReadinessReviews]

Hey you gave it a shot at least. My videos aren't for everyone. I'm okay with that. Have a good one.