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I am musing over a potential winter project. I've spotted a ratty old sporterised SMLE with a full length barrel. Most of the major components seem to be in situ, perhaps less the rearsight. Is it difficult to build a SMLE from the ground up? I've done this before with a No.4 but I do know that rifle is much simpler to put together.

Advice, hints, business solicitations etc gratefully received.

There are plenty of parts sites and eBay auctions, if the barrel and receiver+bolt are good then I can't see it being too difficult

Gaz, I would say go for it! It would make a worthwhile project, you will learn as you proceed and what is the worst that can happen, well maybe 5MOA at 100 yards however I have owned original SMLE's that were 5+MOA at 100 yards.

Getting the barrel off of the receiver will be fun - they are SERIOUSLY tight!

If indeed it needs removing. If this is the case pop it in a lathe and machine the barrel back just in front of the receiver and it will just spin off (fingers crossed) That well known company at Bisley can do this if needed.

Gaz if your looking to return it to original spec then you will struggle to find wood, depending on the rifle cost (how high, I was looking at one for £200), then plus the wood cost it could be more than the price of a complete rifle in good condition, cheapest I found was £250 for new wood (would need work to get it to fit) no used found, then the cost of all the metal work butt plate barrel bands rear sight and protector sling swivels screws off e-bay was another £80 ish. Good luck if you have a go doing it.

bnz41 wrote:Gaz if your looking to return it to original spec then you will struggle to find wood, depending on the rifle cost (how high, I was looking at one for £200), then plus the wood cost it could be more than the price of a complete rifle in good condition, cheapest I found was £250 for new wood (would need work to get it to fit) no used found, then the cost of all the metal work butt plate barrel bands rear sight and protector sling swivels screws off e-bay was another £80 ish. Good luck if you have a go doing it.

Hmm. That's not hugely encouraging. Was hoping to be able to source the furniture and small parts for around £100-£130 max. £250 for new wood and little/no secondhand wood is prohibitively expensive - as you say, you can buy a complete rifle for that amount.

My hope is I won't need to change the barrel (hence the idea popped into my head when I saw the barrel hasn't been molested, even if the rest of the rifle has) but ta for the headsup on barrel tightness. One to meditate on.

Been trying to source wood for a No.4 for most of the year...and not had any luck as I refuse to pay the £100 - £130 that some sellers are asking.

Here you Saddler, https://www.chelmsfordmilitaria.com/ind ... t=6&pv=243

No4 mk1 set, new old stock, so it will need fitting and adjusting, I fitted a set a while ago, bit of a fiddle, but get it fitting properly so it doesn't touch the barrel, stained (Liberon spirit works well) and raw linseed oiled and you have a superb looking No4!

http://www.efdrifles.com/

These guys might help with bits.