Milsurp After Hours

Ooooops, posted previous under guest. Posted this from another forum to get some topics on the new board. Cheers!

Just picked up my first trainer - a relatively rare (only about 1000 made) British Navy 22 Short Rifle MkII - and I have a few questions.

I'd imagine that like the Australian HT snipers there'd be a bit of variation in these rifles as they were based on a variety of actions and rebuilt during their long service.

My first query is the base action ... Skennerton writes that all these rifles were based in MkII MLM, but this one is based on a 1902 LSA Enfield 1*

<img src=http://gunboards.com/forums/uploaded/he ... ncomp1.jpg [/pic]

As you can see, the butt, which is long and has been numbered to the rifle, has provision for a safety catch which the original rifle never had.

<img src=http://gunboards.com/forums/uploaded/he ... ainer3.JPG [/pic]

There is a South African ownership mark on the bolt body (receiver)and I thought this may have dated back to when the rifle was a .303 due to it being struck out, but there is another SA marking on the sight bed.

<img src=http://gunboards.com/forums/uploaded/he ... ncomp2.jpg [/pic]

It appears the barrel is British and was fitted in England ... although the proof marks are GR, which I thought was before 1934.

A No1 MkIII* non windeage adjustable rear sight - numbered to the rifle - was obviously part of the FTR, and replaced the original No1 MkIII windage adjustable rear sight.

<img src=http://gunboards.com/forums/uploaded/he ... ncomp3.jpg [/pic]

Has anyone seen the markings stamped around the forward end of the chamber on the top of the barrel before?

Anyway, it should be a fun plinker ... and it has no doubt already had an eventful life!

Look forward to your summations!

Really a rifle worth showing. Hope you don't mind I made your photos a little smaller to fit the screen. Don't mind you posting as guest... I'm glad you did because it pointed out my fault in making this forum and not making it conform to the others. But You're registered now and this forum is like the rest now, so all is well.

Really a good post and questions to start this forum off. Thanks for getting it going for us.

Hello Heatseeker, sorry to take so long to answer your post, in reply to your first question,not all MKII rifles were based on theLee metford. Variations are widespread including Enfield MK1 and MK1* rifles, as well as various marks of the Lee Metford other than the specified MK11. These rifles can be encountered both with and without cocking piece safeties.

All Enfields are well travelled with numerous markings which are extremely interesting, all part of the "Enfield mystique" ,

you have a lovely example of the Mark, enjoy!

The more knowlegable "Enfield Nuts" on the site may be able to enlighten you on your other questions.

AAADAAAAAM!!!!

Many thanks for posting the pics,

Joe

No pictures Heatseeker, you seem to have hotlinked to another forums up load, I seem to recall that some forums don't allow this.

If you don't have a photo host then you can upload them here direct from your 'puter.

Sounds like a really interesting Enfield.

Any problems let us know and we'll help you through it, it isn't difficult even I can manage it sometimes.

Nice!

This is outstanding Rifle.

I would love to add such rifle to 22Cal. part of my collection!

http://community.webshots.com/album/208350266LSmPtO

very nice rifle , mine is an enfield made mkII dated 1892 , it was refited with a windage adjustable mkIII rear sight and handguard somewhere along the way , i must agree they are very accurate , i love shooting mine best out of my small collection of trainers