My new old Lithgow SMLE

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My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by rsj223 » 03 Sep 2017, 10:11 pm

Took some time to save a bit for on of these only had a small amount so this was at Bendigo show and fitted my price range.
Wanted to give it a tub and take it out for some range time but to busy.
Its not the best one but hope it to be the start of something good.
Will need to get a sling and what ever accessories I can get at the next show at Altona.
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by pete1 » 03 Sep 2017, 10:21 pm

Looking very nice
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by Supaduke » 03 Sep 2017, 10:23 pm

Looks very tidy , good looking rifle. A nice pick up , hopefully it's a nice shooter.
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by rsj223 » 03 Sep 2017, 10:47 pm

I was lucky enough to get Jeff Pannan (Melbourne Arms & Militaria Fair) to have a quick look over it.
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by Supaduke » 04 Sep 2017, 6:46 am

Bought a few guns off Jeff, he's good value .
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by Daddybang » 04 Sep 2017, 7:03 am

Nice!! :thumbsup:
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by marksman » 04 Sep 2017, 8:16 am

really nice :thumbsup:
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by Bent Arrow » 04 Sep 2017, 12:20 pm

Nicely done
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by in2anity » 04 Sep 2017, 12:32 pm

Glad to see that central sight - yikes can they be expensive/annoying to buy separately!
At what point does lack of maintenance become patina?
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by AusTac » 04 Sep 2017, 1:39 pm

Nice find mate, you'll love it when you do get it out to the range, peice of history :)
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by TBJ » 04 Sep 2017, 7:27 pm

Looks good mate, every time I see one of these it makes me want one, I will have to get one at some point
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by MAC13 » 05 Sep 2017, 7:13 pm

Well done mate.
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by rsj223 » 05 Sep 2017, 7:56 pm

So where to start? I was going to start with a basic clean as I would do with any rifle and then shoot it, but what after that should it be disassembled re blued and so on or just keep the oil up to it?
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by Supaduke » 06 Sep 2017, 9:01 am

What you do to it is up to you.
Note that any refinishing will destroy resale value.

If it's a bit grubby you can dismantle it and give the wood a wash with hot soapy water.

There is a certain technique for pulling it apart. You have to do it in a certain order when removing the timber or you will damage it. I remember an old bloke telling me you need to remove the buttstock before you take off the forward lower or you can damage the lug that sits in the receiver collar.

Dents in the timber can be steamed out with a wet rag and a hot iron and won't affect the finish. It will dry out the surface a little bit, but a quick rub down with linseed oil will sort that.

Restoring Milsurps is a contentious issue. To some it is the most heinous of crimes. I believe that a solid clean up , steaming a few dents and freshening the oil coating is the way to go. Who knows what sort of neglect it has weathered in the 70 odd years since it's creation.

Others will say leave it as is no matter what condition.

I think maintaining the patina and aged look is important. I don't think 70 year old dirt and grime is patina. Nor do I believe leaving the dent ,that some clumsy oaf put there in 1976, is preserving its heritage.

Respectful and subtle restoration , good
Full refinishing, not so good.

However, it's your gun. You may never intend to sell it, so resale value is a moot point.

You may prefer a shiny , new looking rifle. The rifle may look a bit beaten up and tired. A full, respectful refinish may be what it needs.

It's a dilemma that has faced every Milsurp owner at some point, it's a decision only you can make.
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by rsj223 » 06 Sep 2017, 7:57 pm

Wash and clean then oil up but of course shot it a few times, got it
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by rsj223 » 07 Sep 2017, 4:16 pm

With the cleaning underway (bore and bolt ect) what would be the norm ammo? can get PPU 180g is this normal for these? any other suggestions?
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by Gun-nut » 07 Sep 2017, 6:55 pm

Mil spec was 174g, but 180 should shoot just fine depending on bore condition.
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by Supaduke » 07 Sep 2017, 7:17 pm

PPU 174gr fmj, shoots well and is a fairly faithful reproduction of service ammo.
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by sungazer » 07 Sep 2017, 7:40 pm

The S&B 180gn Training is a good round that is available. I got some for $80 for 50
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by Gun-nut » 07 Sep 2017, 8:36 pm

Melbourne gun works has ppu 174g FMJ for sale, 200 for $210. The cheapest factory ammo that I've seen for the .303 in a while.
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by rsj223 » 07 Sep 2017, 10:28 pm

Gun-nut wrote:Mil spec was 174g, but 180 should shoot just fine depending on bore condition.

Bummer I seen them today in PPU FMJ I think they were.Thanks
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by BRNOmod2 » 08 Sep 2017, 12:43 am

The disassembly is actually opposite of stated in an earlier post. For No1's you MUST remove lower fore end wood before removing butt thru bolt, or the rear of the fore end can be cracked and damaged - fit of forends on these (and No4's) is vitally important as the bedding arrangements of the fit of forfend to barrel and action dictate greatly the accuracy you will get out of it. Keep in mind that you have a range pattern rifle - ex fullbore target rifle from pre 1969 - the setting up of the bedding on these target rifles is often vastly "tweaked" from military standard issue - the full bore shooters would go to many lengths and try many techniques to wring match winning edge from their range rifles. Clean the bore properly, develop a good accurate load, oil the steel and oil the wood with linseed oil.
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by Supaduke » 08 Sep 2017, 6:50 am

I knew there was a certain order, thanks for the correction.
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by rsj223 » 08 Sep 2017, 8:16 am

Thank you BRNOmod2
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by rsj223 » 11 Sep 2017, 12:00 am

Well after a huge clean and I think there is more to do, it shot ok I just need some more time with it only shot about 10 rounds of a table (bad arm/shoulder).
The central sight is pretty good but I need to ask a dumb question, where should the target point be on the forward sight?
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by Supaduke » 11 Sep 2017, 6:08 am

Depends on the gun, but usually you sit the top of the front post level with the bottom of the target. So you get a lollipop effect. Called a 6 o'clock hold.
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by rsj223 » 11 Sep 2017, 8:09 am

Supaduke wrote:Depends on the gun, but usually you sit the top of the front post level with the bottom of the target. So you get a lollipop effect. Called a 6 o'clock hold.

Yep I did that lollipop thing, thanks
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by in2anity » 11 Sep 2017, 8:43 am

FYI OP if you're looking for something to plink with, Hawkesbury River do a 180gr .31 hard lead projectile.
At what point does lack of maintenance become patina?
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by rsj223 » 11 Sep 2017, 8:17 pm

in2anity wrote:FYI OP if you're looking for something to plink with, Hawkesbury River do a 180gr .31 hard lead projectile.

Thanks
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Re: My new old Lithgow SMLE

Post by Dunxy » 12 Sep 2017, 10:05 am

Much love for SMLE's! When i find the right one, i will be adding one to my collection for sure! I spotted a nice one last week, it was sold :( The Swedish Mauser next to it was not however, so that became my first (of many on the list!) milsurp!
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