[madhatta]

Hello all
I have read a number of threads on .303 enfields, but have not seen much info. on ones from Australia. I came across one in amazing condition. Beautiful nick-free wood, bright clean bore, and does not appear to have been shot much at all.
What's the word on these?
thanks in advance for the great information.

madhatta

[diyj98]

Lithgow produced No.1 Mk III's for the Austrialian armed forces. They were excellent made rifles. If it's in nice condition and you're comfortable with the price, buy it and enjoy it!

[Bill Hook]

Buy it, but look for a "JJ CO NY" or similar stamping, which indicates it was assembled within the past 15 or so years. You will absolutely need to disassemble the gun and check for metal (copper, brass, or aluminum) recoil pads behind the receiver, which can sometimes be seen at the back of the mag well with proper lighting. If not present, contact BDL Ltd. and buy some, else the gun will shatter the stock upon firing even a few rounds. Oil the stock with Boiled Linseed Oil and tighten the kingscrew at the front of the mag well.

[jrhead75]

Bill Hook speaks the truth. In that condition, I'd be willing to bet that it's one of Jovino's "parts guns". Jovino's imported a bunch, if not most of the Lithgow rifles that are found in the US...but they also imported the Aussie spare parts as well, and assembled a bunch over here. The unfired, like new condition is one giveaway, the lack of the recoil plates is another, non matching s/n's is a third.

That said, the Aussies used the No1MkIII from WWI until after the Korean War....so rebuilt rifles are the rule rather than the exception. With more info on the stamps and markings, it'd be easier to make an educated guess.

What are they asking for it?

[Bill Hook]

The serial number (5 digit, I believe) should have a letter PREFIX, which should, I think be an E or F by the late war years.

I should've noted that Jovino DID import "real" lithgows too.

It should have "FTR" on the receiver if it is in the condition you describe, which means arsenal restoration.

Forestock must come off before buttstock (the butt comes off with large square shank screwdriver and vise grips ;) ).

[swingset]

Don't get the impression that the Jovino guns aren't worth owning. There are not only complete imported (and original) guns with the JJCO stamp, but also parts guns that are fine shooters, but just be aware that there is a possibility that it might not have recoil plates installed and a parts gun isn't as valuable as an original rebuild.

Another common characteristic of the Jovino builds are a shiney, unnatural bluing to the receiver, bolt and/or nosecap. Lithgows weren't finished this way, and it's usually tell-tale of a JJCO gun.

Here is a picture of one of my Jovino "parts guns", which is one of my favorite to shoot:

http://home.alltel.net/swingset/Gallery_Guns/images/No1mk3_Lithgow_1941.jpg