My first Enfield... Now the fun begins!

[aprayinbear]

To All you Expert Enfield Guys,

Well I finally made the move yesterday and picked up my first Lee-Enfield, a 1917 peddle scheme MK 111. The only other thing I know about this rifle is that it also bears what I understand is the typical Australian D with an arrow. There is also a SSA (standard small arms) stamp at the rear of the bolt channel. The new receiver #, the bolt and the nose cap seem to match. I also found a simple arrow (often accompanied by a number) in several locations. One thing which concerns me is a small elongated hole drilled on the left hand side of the receiver. I have read a posting on another site which suggests this is a "gas vent hole". This can be seen in the pic I posted just below the Australian D. Does this impact the safe shooting of this rifle as I hoped she would be a shooter?

Here are some pics I took last night.








Any info you might pass on to this Enfield noobie would be greatly appreciated!

Many Thanks & A Happy New Year!

[Woftam]

a small elongated hole drilled on the left hand side of the receiver

Perfectly normal and yes it is for venting gases in the case of a ruptured cartridge. Provided it is mechanically OK it should be a shooter.
A nice rifle. With the Australian property mark it may well have been one of those sent to Australia shortly after WW1 as repayment for Lithgows sent to the UK early in the war. The barred out number on the knocks form is probably an inventory number from when it was in service in Australia. The 3 above it would indicate service with the 3rd Military District (which was the state of Victoria).
Any markings on the right side of the butt ?
A simple arrow and a number (especially if accompanied by a crown [British] or L [Australian]) is an inspectors mark - the one you show on the front barrel band is typical.
The fore end looks like it may be coachwood but it is hard to tell from the photos.
Now all you need is ammo & range time.

[DuncaninFrance]

Congratulations on the 'New Arrival'
Trouble is that this may well set a precedence and start a serious collection. Looking forward to range reports..........

[aprayinbear]

Thanks for the comments guys!

I can't wait to get out to the range sometime next week and see how she does. Wolftam here are a few pics of the right side of the rear stock. I don't know if the wood is original or not, but maybe the numbers tell the story.





Also, do you have any idea of the meaning of the markings next to the Australian D?


All info is much appreciated. Now I'm trying to find an oiler that matches the time and history of the rifle. I feel like one of those guys on History Detective!

[Woftam]

Haven't enough time before work but I'll get back to this one later.

[Niner]

Did you look on the other side of that blank disk in the stock? Probably as blank as the outside is.....but unit information goes on disks like that. Probably a total blank from the last FTR.

[Woftam]

Yeah, good thought on the stock disc.
It appears the butt may be original as it carries the inventory number that is on the Knocks form - a common practice. The 3 above it indicates the 3RD Military District.
The III* designates the model and the HV (high velocity) means it was sighted for the MkVII ammunition.
The 3/54 (March 1954) indicates it was returned to stores on that date.
The stamps on the Knocks form are Left - an inspectors mark and Right - proof mark, probably from the original proofing.
The D^D is the property mark of the Australian Defence Department.
Hope this helps.

[aprayinbear]

Wolftam,

Wow that's great. Many thanks for the info. Now I can't wait to shoot her. I have some boxer primed S&B ammo to try out, then I want to reload some light loads for target and plinking. Everything seems very tight and the bore is shiny and bright after I scrubbed out the cosmoline. So she looks in great condition. But I don't have a way to check headspace without going to the gunsmith. Is this something I should do before firing her?

Other safety suggestions, before I try to fire.

Many Thanks!