Milsurp After Hours

This rifle was at the range on Sunday. The owner bought it in the 1960s from a chap who inherited it and was not interested in shooting. I asked if he was likely to be selling anytime, but it will not be available until he is no longer able to use it. It is in super condition. The owner thought it had been converted to .22 in the 1930s, but that is guesswork. It is made by LSA and is a commercial rifle and not a military one. The sight slider has bone inserts on either side. I wish it was mine. A lovely rifle. He shot a score of 45.1 ex 50 at 200 yards with it on the NRA 300 yard target.

Regards
Peter

Beautiful rifle!

As a commercial LSA, it was probably manufactured as a .22 rather than converted later.

Would you mind sharing some of the markings on the rifle? Does it have .303 markings? Any proof marks or serial numbers? Anything stamped on the top-rear of the action where the bolt slides in? That could help me date it.

Thanks!

Jc5, the pics posted are all I have of the rifle. It is serial number 89 from memory. There are very few markings on the rifle anywhere.

Regards
Peter.

It look like, unlike its Parker Hale cousins, it has been barrelled as .22 and not sleeved, but why would you put a charger guide on a rifle that would never need one?

On the other hand, it looks like it's had .22LR stamped in the breech, so maybe it was decided to build it up to MkI spec anyway.

Either way I'm with you Peter - I'd be very happy to own it

Nick

Definitely made as a .22 and not converted. It is pre-WWI, nothing 1930s about it. LSA made them in the standard service pattern, complete with useless charger.

Do you recall where the number 89 was stamped?

It must have had commercial London proofs on it somewhere, although some could be under the handguard. I'd also love to know if it had assembly or view numbers.

Do you think you will see the owner again?

I'm researching these, and every bit of data is a big help, especially on a .22 LSA of this pattern. They are rare. Not your run of the mill .22, being neither a conversion nor a trainer. Someone most likely purchased this for SMRC use.

If the owner doesn't want to post details in the forum, please consider sending me a PM. I can post my general conclusions about the rifle while keeping the details private.

Thanks!

It will be a few weeks before I see the owner again. He doesn't bring the rifle out very often.
The number 89 is stamped on the barrel under the top handguard and on the right side of the receiver. It is just visible in the third pic down.

Regards
Peter

89 is a low serial number, I'd sure like to find No 1

Never been that interested in the commercial versions of the Enfield but this one could change that. A seriously desirable rifle.
Interesting that they kept all (?) features of the service rifle - bolt head charger guide, volley sights, piling swivel, rear sling swivel, rear sight. I presume the front sight has been replaced ?

Just a guess but there may have been a requirement that small bore club rifles be able to be converted to .303 in time of war ,just as businesses that had lorries were encouraged, perhaps even subsidized, to have WD pattern trucks.

Oh man, Enfield porn, I have drool all over my keyboard !
Lovely rifle Peter,
Joe