Hello one and all,

I now see that AIM Surplus has Lithgow Number 1, Mark III's on sale for $109 -- shipped  ! !

Guess the stocks have several repairs, but not sure on the metal and bore condition.

Anyone have any experience with these Lithgows ? ?

Thanks  !

Probably more Indian reworks, nothing to get excited about. I'd cough up $200 and buy a nice one from Brian Dick at BDL and get something solid, myself. In 10 years the real Lithy might be worth $600, the punjab rework won't.

Lithgows can be some really hard-lived rifles.. Bores especially.  You have to keep in mind that they used these a LOT longer than the Brits.. Through the Korean war IIRC.  Ishapores can be fine guns, but I've never seen one I'd take over a Lithgow (heh, or BSA) in the same condition.  They're a lot more hit or miss.

Quoted: Lithgows can be some really hard-lived rifles.. Bores especially.  You have to keep in mind that they used these a LOT longer than the Brits.. Through the Korean war IIRC.  Ishapores can be fine guns, but I've never seen one I'd take over a Lithgow (heh, or BSA) in the same condition.  They're a lot more hit or miss.

You bring up a good point, and something to consider if you run into someone selling an "unissued" Lithgow. The chances of finding one are slim and none. They all saw use, and the only ones that escaped it were rebuilds put into stores (these are usually barrel-dated in the 50's). Pre-WWII or even 40's dated Lithgows in pristine condition should be eyed with great caution.

Jovino company (JJVO or JVCO) usually stamped their parts guns behind the bolt notch on the receiver, and if you see a minty Lithgow, check for this stamp. It's likely a part gun built in the US by Jovino. Might be a good shooter, but it's still cobbled together and not original. Some of these Jovino guns also were built without recoil blocks and are prone to stock splitting.

Just FYI.

I bought a Lithgow from AIM when the when on the market a few months ago. All matching, bright bore, and excellent wood.