Damaged SMLE....

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loner5667

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I just inherited a SMLE from a friend that is getting married and his new bride to be won't allow him to have it in the house. Would find a new bride to be if it were me.

The bore on the muzzle end is in really sad shape, bad pitting. I can't quite tell how far in, I'm guessing about 6" or so.

Here's the question,

Can I replace the barrel? Or can I get this one cut back past the pitting and put the sight back on?

What is the shortest length before I lose accuracy?

I would like to keep this looking like it originally did. If I end up having to cut the barrel back, Is there a way to cut the wooden forend pieces so that they match the new barrel length and still look like a SMLE not a sporter?
 
I would clean the rifle's bore as well as possible, and try shooting it.

True, damage in the bore, especialy near the muzzle is a bad thing. But it doesn't neccessarily ruin the accuracy.

It may shoot as good as ever.
 
How long is the original barrel?
You can go back to 16" and still be legal. How short you'd have to go would also determine whether or not you can cut the handguards back. A gunsmith should be able to do what you need done.
 
The barrel can definitely be shortened and re crowned....probably the cheapest way to go. The barrel can also be replaced.
16" is the shortest you can go!

If the rifle is in full mil dress....a replacement barrel is the best bet! There are plenty of cheap sources...SARCO or Gun Parts, Inc (Numrich) are two that come to mind, but there are many others, since this rifle has been around since dirt!

Another option is to have the existing barrel sleeved by a gunsmith specializing in doing this.

Personally, if it isn't a collectable, or of sentimentle nature, for the cost involved, I'd turn it into a wall hanger!

You can buy a shooter .303 at a gunshow cheaper than totally repairing this one!
 
#1 barrels are going to be hard to find. I would clean it up, try shooting it, or put it in the rack. #1mkIII's are getting a bit tough to find too. Wall hanger sounds like a good option too.
 
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