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Forrestry Commission rifle
Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2007 4:10 pm
by KCLRPC
Hello
I've heard rumours of such a thing lately, and I was wondering if anyone knew about them. From what I've been told, it is an LE MkI, sporterised stock, full size magazine, yet converted to a .22 barrel, and with a stamping for the forrestry commission.
I've dug through the latest Skennerton, and for the life of me cannot see one. The only sort of rifle I remember was in an English Sporting Guns book published 20 years ago, with some that were reworked by Churchills, but I thought that they were still original calibre. Beyond that, I don't appear to have any other reference to them.
Any clues?
Nick
Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2007 6:44 pm
by Woftam
Do you know which country it refers to ?
I have a vague recollection of Forestry Commission workers in either Australia or New Zealand using .22 rifles to shoot some sort of parasitic growth (fungi ?) off the tops of a specific type of tree.
Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 12:52 pm
by KCLRPC
The stamping reads 'Forrestry Commission Game Warden'. Doesn't say which country, but its a BSA action, and the barrel has british proof marks. Its also been sleeved (no stamps for Parker rifled, but looks the same), and uses the bolt head of a No.2. I don't think I've ever seen so many military stamps in the underside of a barrel though.
Also noticed the forend has been plugged about where the dial sight normally goes, so I'm guessing a straight cut-down job
Nick
PS. I also suspect it hasn't left Europe. Absence of marks
WHERE ARE THE PICS NICK?
Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 1:37 pm
by DuncaninFrance
Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 2:46 pm
by KCLRPC
I would take photos, but I don't have a camera anymore. If I did, I have an awful lot besides to photograph
its also not mine to photograph. Managed to grab it quickly today to give a closer inspection
Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 4:14 pm
by Woftam
PS. I also suspect it hasn't left Europe. Absence of marks
Rules out the Antipodes then.
Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 1:30 am
by KCLRPC
I'm afraid so. My main reason is that I have an SMLE which I know went to Australia, and bears marks of an importer. What is confusing me is why a game warden would be issued with a .22 LR. I know people have hunted with the bigger .22's very successfully, but I wouldn't have thought he would have been able to take on much over squirrel or fox.
although the sights are to 150 yards.
I apologise for being bitty in my posts. My memory is working sporadically this week
Nick
Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 3:44 am
by Woftam
I would hazard a guess it's not for hunting. Probably more vermin control, euthenasia and other odd jobs.
Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2007 2:49 pm
by KCLRPC
Is .22 really big enough for euthenasia?
Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2007 3:46 pm
by joseyclosey
It is big enough for Mossad,
Joe
