So I picked up a sporterised (bubbafied) Lithgow No1 Mk3* SMLE in October last year. The 303 in its sporting mode was in pretty good condition, including a barrel with lots of rifling left.
I needed a new hobby after all my semi auto service rifle guns in NZ were now bent and shredded (don't ask).
So I decided to restore the 303 back to its former glory. I had intended taking it deer hunting first, but that trip got cancelled and I used my .270 Sako Finnlight the next trip away over New Years.
With my 47 year old eyes getting tired, I think my scoped hunting rifles are probably a safer bet anyway!
As a picture paints a thousand words, I'll let the photos do the talking. A learning experience and numerous stuff ups along the way!