I recently acquired a very neglected "Long Lee"? or "Lee Speed", in fact the stock is non existent and all metal was badly rusted (as if it was buried for an extensive amount of time)

Nevertheless, I got it nicely cleaned up and everything works smoothly including bolt and magazine.

However, I have NO idea what I have and need help identifying and dating it?

Any help will be appreciated.

I am posting some photos and please assist if I need to look for more markings.

Regards

Thank you so much for the info, interesting about the .333? I tested a standard .303 British in the front of the barrel and this is what it looks like?

I also chambers a .303 British with ease and also ejects it perfectly? these are also some of the issues I found.

Regards

.333 jeffery was known to be used against German sniper hides during WWI. Unlike the .303 its was capable of piercing the steel plates they hid behind.

Be careful, have a gunsmith check for actual caliber as its most likely a .333 Jeffery flanged rifle. As the lee speed was a commercial rifle it could be had in what ever caliber wanted/needed.

The Z might be an indicator that it`s not a .303. The bolt head seems to over clock by a fare amount, should be addressed, replace the bold head. and possible/more than likely the striker spring in the bolt. That should bring it back to spec. including the space at the cocking knob.

Nice find. Might be a sniping rifle from WWI

I will have it checked by a gunsmith ASAP.

Regards

Do you agree that it is in fact .303 and not .333?

From far it indeed looks like .333 

Definitely a .303 stamp! You've done a good job cleaning the metal. It looks to be in reasonable shape considering the history.

Next step would be for a gunsmith giving it a go over and replace the bolthead and striker pin spring.

Then Blueing and trying to find an original stock and butt plate

Any suggestions for the stock??

Best regards

Which version of sights is this?

Regards

Yes the knob is a fine adjustment for range. Coarse adjust is push in the plunger & slide, fine is turning the screw adjuster for (IIRC 10 yd increments). I find it works better when assembled if you push lightly on the plunger then rotate it.

It should rotate with very positive click stops.

There is no spring and the knurled knob is stuck

Regards

I strongly suspect you have what was officially known in South Africa as a "No 1 Converted"  which started off life with us as a commercial Long Lee.

Over 30,000 Long Lees were expropriated by the SA Government at the start of the Second World War.  Of these 4,250 were converted into a No 1 configuration and then mostly used for training purposes or issue to Volunteer Units. Both British and South African manufactured parts were used. 

These "SMLEs" are easily recognizable by a lack of charger bridge.  Most, but not all, retained their original Long Lee bolts.  BSA commercial barrels were commonly purchased by the Union Defense Force. 

Following the war many of these rifles were sold off to the public. I attach a photo of one of mine.

    

Very interesting and awesome info. Do you think I will be able to get an original stock and whatever is missing your side or here by me? And things like striker pin spring and bolthead?

I am trying to run a serial number check, but not sure which was used as a serial number?

If at all possible, I would like to restore to original.

BTW yours looks great

Regards

I have no doubt that you would be able to obtain all the missing parts in South Africa - at some cost which would also include courier service to avoid our collapsing postal system. The viability to restore what would probably be a wall-hanger, only you can decide. I have no idea concerning your local parts availability, but if possible, that would be my first choice.

I see no sign of the original serial number - was probably on the original barrel. However, the number stamped onto the butt-socket under "Lee Speed Patent" would serve its legal purpose in South Africa. Was probably added by the UDF for record purposes upon conversion.

For your interest I attach a photo of another of these rifles.

I will find out from a couple of local gun shops also.

Regards

Any idea where that rifle has been? The stock look rotted nearly completely and no finish left on the metal at all.  I don’t think I’d would attempt shooting it. Restore it as best you can to hand on the wall as a display piece.  Interesting rifle and history lesson from Terrylee. 

actually it looked like 303 in the photo to me but my eyes are not what they used to be 

Hi Smiddie,

If you are interested and can send me your email address, I'll send you a published article that I wrote on the South African No 1 Converted.

Terry

Hope all had a good weekend?

Take care everyone

I whish I knew the whole history of this specific rifle, that would be awesome.

Regards

Mayhem,

Could do, but unless there is a way of posting a Word document, it will have to come in the form of seven seperate scans which may also affect clarity. Regards,

Terry 

Regarding the sight slide; there should be a spring that holds tension. I had to replace the spring on my rear sight; because it was too weak! Under recoil, the sight slide forwards; increasing the range. 

it took a few rounds for me to realise why the shot's were climbing up the target!

I repaired it by using the spring out of an old starter button from a Jaguar 'E-Type; which had been in my toolbox for over 20 years. It's still working 8 years on. 

However I'm sure the standard springs are available.

You can upload .DOC files directly using the "FILE" option in the "Post reply" (not quick reply).

Its the "folder in a c-clamp icon" 6th from right above the dialog box.

Thank you @Zed, And I should be able to get a spring no problem.

Regards

Hi Shamu,

Thanks for the guidance. Unfortunately, I can't get things to work. "The message uploaded is of the wrong type" You are probably more computer-literate than I and should you so wish, and provide your email address by PM, I can send you the article for processing. It has already been sent to Smiddie as he requested.

I must emphasize that the contents of the article are rather historic, technical, and based upon archival information. It may thus not appeal to those whose Lee Enfield interests are centered around shooting them.

 Regards,

     Terry 

Thanks!

We have a mix 'n match of collectors & shooters on here, I think it will have some interest to all.

I'm PMing you my e-mail, let me see what I can do.

If I can make it work I'll let you know & give you a link & of course full credit for the article.

Terrylee's book, excerpt on the S/A conversions:

uploads/244/FINAL_THE_SOUTH_AFRICAN_NO.1_Converted_3_2017.01.09_-_Copy.pdf" rel="nofollow - uploads/244/FINAL_THE_SOUTH_AFRICAN_NO.1_Converted_3_2017.01.09_-_Copy.pdf

A great read and a source of knowage.