Lee-Enfiled #1

[neilwest]

1Got my replacement #1 in today. Still dinged up but the barrel is a lot better. Not pitting, and after the ten lbs of grease was removed she looked real bright and clean. Took me a couple of hours and two bore brushes to clean it though. Posted is the pictures. What should I do to the stock and would you suggest touch up blueing for appearance?

[neilwest]

1. The proofstamp shows 1915. Old and dirty huh!

[Bobcat]

Where did you order it from, and what were they asking for it?

There's an excellent thread somewhere here about cleaning-up the wood (can't remember who did it....Redstar?). I'd be careful about refinishing since it could hurt the value. But, I think that only matters with rare snd very collectible examples.

Good luck with the Enfield collection. I'm doing the same. Later.

Bobcat

[REDSTAR]

That looks alot like my old 1917 #1. I love it, it shoots very accurately. I left mine in it's dinged condition and I truely love it the way it is. It still oozes cosmo in some places. That thing will shoot all day long though.

[neilwest]

1. Right now Im having to use a middleman to procure my curios. I hope that this changes soon. Its been three weeks since I sent off my paperwork.

2. I believe that this was a Century Arms rifle. The first one was pitted and rusty and I sent it back to my dealer. He sent this one back which is a lot better.

3. I think I will just use Murphys Oil and clean the stock but leave it in its original condition. I at first thought she was ugly but kind of like an old whore as you look at her she grows on you.

4. cant wait to shoot her, and cant wait to get my CCr license.

[zouavexx]

The Enfield is my favorite bolt action, once you fire one you are hooked!

[REDSTAR]

I like your analogy about prostitutes neil! I've found that it's in my best interest to take my rifles out and shoot them first before I fix them up too much. This Enfield was such a good shooter, it would be a candidate for restoration. However, a historical piece such as this should be left as is in my opinion. You know, I don't have any problems fixing up Mosins or Mausers but this baby just seemed good enough as it was.

Take a look at this old picture of our Enfileds during WWI, they looked pretty dinged up back then too:
http://members.fortunecity.com/enfields/1mk1.jpg

[neilwest]

1. your right. I like my old whore just as she is. I will clean her up enough to take to the range and leave her with all her battle scares. She's earned them.