[74], In the early 1950s Essential Agencies Ltd. 4 Mk I, No. If it's a 1942,it will more likely then not,have the rear release tab for the bolt. Enfield Serial Number Discussion in '. can anyone help with solving the question of dates and serial numbers not adding up? I A (a transitional model), Mk. Bermuda: used by the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps. The LeeEnfield series is very popular for service rifle shooting competitions in the UK and Australia due to the prohibitions on the legal ownership of semi-automatic centrefire rifles in Great Britain and restrictions on the legal ownership of semi-automatic centrefire rifles in Australia. [55], Numbers of LeeEnfield rifles were converted to .22 calibre training rifles,[56] in order to teach cadets and new recruits the various aspects of shooting, firearms safety, and marksmanship at a markedly reduced cost per round. with lettered prefixes. Rifle, Short, Number 4 Mark 1, Short, Magazine Lee Enfield - 1941 Top shown mounting Bayonet Number 9, bottom blow-up mounts "Pig-Sticker" bayonet. A new bayonet was designed to go with the rifle: a spike bayonet, which was essentially a steel rod with a sharp point and was nicknamed 'pigsticker' by soldiers. 4 Mark I rifle was adopted on Nov. 15, 1939. Just saying that here is an instance where a number was mistaken as a date. An Australian experimental version of the No. 7 and No. Most of these were 1931 and 1933 dated No. Vietnam: Vit Minh captured LeeEnfields from French forces. 5 Mk I). 4 Mk I, chambered in the same .303 . Hey guys I bought this 1917 B.S.A CO Lee Enfield Smle a couple of days ago I'm just curious on the nose cap serial number the letter is a J but the numbers match the other parts that are matching have a D. Here are some pictures. Military equipment, such as the Lee-Enfield rifle, are often found with letters, numbers, codes, runes and symbols stamped, etched, scratched, embossed, pressed or branded into the wood or metal. Note 2: GRI stands for 'Georgius Rex, Imperator' (Latin for 'King George, Emperor (of India)', denoting a rifle made during the British Raj. The LeeEnfield rifle is a popular gun for historic rifle enthusiasts and those who find the 10-round magazine, loading by charger clips, and the rapid bolt-action useful for Practical Rifle events. Attachments DSCF2312.jpg 154 KB Views: 1,217 DSCF2313.jpg 63.7 KB Views: 775 BOLT HEAD It retains the 10 round box detachable magazine, however the largest change to the rifle . For official references, usually the finished and issued rifle was tracked by its rack number and of course these records have long since been destroyed or lost forever. Truth be known about Enfield serial numbers is simply, the serial number was used more for production counting than any other reason. From the late 1940s, legislation in New South Wales, Australia, heavily restricted .303 British calibre (and other 'military calibre') rifles,[72] so large numbers of SMLEs were converted to 'wildcat' calibres such as .303/25, .303/22, .303/270 and the popular 7.754mm round. It was never an official military designation but British and Commonwealth troops serving in the Burmese and Pacific theatres during World War II had been known to unofficially refer to the No. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force). I suggest if you bolt has not been proofed with the rifle; get it checked for fit and a new proof. This Martini Enfield artillery carbine has a number that would suggest a date of 1909, perhaps when the carbine was made drill purpose? 4 Mk IV was designed with the modern shooter in mind, and has the ability to mount a telescopic sight without drilling and tapping the receiver. 1 Mk V), adopted a new receiver-mounted aperture sighting system, which moved the rear sight from its former position on the barrel. Solomon Islands: used by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force. 4 series rifles that were converted to 7.6251mm NATO were re-designated as the L8 series of rifles with the rifles being refitted with 7.6251mm NATO barrels, new bolt faces and extractor claws, new rear sights and new 10-round 7.6251mm NATO magazines that were produced by RSAF Enfield to replace the old 10-round .303 British magazines. Lee Enfield rifles are used by the Jamaica Constabulary force for training recruits during field-craft exercises and drills. 123 Main Street Anywhere City, USA 55555 Phone: (555) 555-5555 Email Map & Directions Hours of Operation Follow Us On Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Google+ Pinterest RSS Feeds Blog Posts, Gallery Images, Forum Topics Login Email: Password: Remember Me Forgot Password? Initially, rifles were converted from obsolete Magazine LeeMetford and Magazine LeeEnfield rifles[57][58] but from the First World War onwards SMLE rifles were used instead. Smoothbored shotguns could be legally held with far less trouble. All we can go by is the serial number. . This puts collectors into a spin trying to figure it out and fake is called!. 4 Mk IV. #9. These conversions were for issue to police and prison guards, to provide a firearm with a much-reduced power and range in comparison to the .303 cartridge. The original bolt would be proofed to 18 ton's per square inch of pressure. [17] Some straight-pull bolt-action rifles were thought faster, but lacked the simplicity, reliability, and generous magazine capacity of the LeeEnfield. Odd that the left side has been scrubbed and no FTR marks. 1 Mk V rifles were manufactured solely by R.S.A.F. The gun itself is in very good condition. 32 and its bracket (mount) were matched and serial numbered to a specific rifle.[54]. [91][92] Also contributing to the total was the Rifle Factory Ishapore (RFI) at Ishapore in India, which continued to produce the SMLE in both .303 and 7.6251mm NATO until the 1980s, and is still manufacturing a sporting rifle based on the SMLE Mk III action, chambered for a .315 calibre cartridge[93] the Birmingham Small Arms Company factory at Shirley near Birmingham, and SAF Lithgow in Australia, who finally discontinued production of the SMLE Mk III* with a final 'machinery proving' batch of 1000 rifles in early 1956, using 1953-dated receivers. Serial Number on the rear face of the bolth handle of my 1944 No. 2s Modified to Mk. In good looking condition, this was the last year they were ever made. 4 rifles, selected for their accuracy during factory tests, were modified by the addition of a wooden cheek rising-piece, and telescopic sight mounts designed to accept a No. Work on a long-range replacement cartridge began in 1910 and resulted in the .276 Enfield in 1912. Create your own unique website with customizable templates. 4 Mk I and No. Very collectable in its own right but still not rare. 0 Location:London SW19 Interests:British military Small Arms and ammunition. The wooden cheek-piece was attached with two screws. [46] With a cut-down stock, a prominent flash hider, and a 'lightening-cut' receiver machined to remove all unnecessary metal, reduced barrel length of 18.8 in (478 mm) the No. Charlie Wilson's War: The Extraordinary Story of the Largest Covert Operation in History, George Crile, 2003, Grove/Atlantic. Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. [70] Commercial gunsmiths in Australia and Britain converted both MkIII and No4 rifles to .410 shotguns. thats what I thought. The No. There were three main batches of conversions. Anschutz target rifles fall into this category, and their system is given on the page for these rifles. 5. It was then decided that the limit of the effective range was a more realistic proposition at 800 m. The Ishapore 2A and 2A1 rifles are often incorrectly described as '.308 conversions'. 4 Mk II rifle, which they marketed as the AIA No. [10], The LeeEnfield rifle was introduced in November 1895 as the .303 calibre, Rifle, Magazine, LeeEnfield,[10] or more commonly Magazine LeeEnfield, or MLE (sometimes spoken as 'emily' instead of M, L, E). The Commando units of the British military requested a suppressed rifle for killing sentries, guard dogs and other clandestine operational uses during the Second World War. [35], In 1926, the British Army changed their nomenclature; the SMLE became known as the Rifle No. [26], The iconic LeeEnfield rifle, the SMLE Mk III, was introduced on 26 January 1907, along with a Pattern 1907 bayonet and featured a simplified rear sight arrangement and a fixed, rather than a bolt-head-mounted sliding, charger guide. The latter will have an engraving on the flat side of the receiver which will read something like (taking one of my rifles as an example), F(FTR)49. In the early 1930s, a batch of 2,500 No. So as to match critical parts, serial number was also stamped under the rear sight leaf (and fore-ends, nosecaps, bolts, of Lee-Enfields too). The stock and fore end was marked with broad white painted bands and the letters 'DP' for easy identification. Where are the serial numbers on a Lee Enfield? 4 rifles and brought them up to the same standard as the No. This proved fortunate for the LeeEnfield, as wartime demand and the improved Mk VII loading of the .303 round caused it to be retained for service. 4 Mark I and featured a rear receiver aperture battle sight calibrated for 300 yd (274 m) with an additional ladder aperture sight that could be flipped up and was calibrated for 200800 yd (183732 m) in 100 yd (91 m) increments. The demand of new ENFIELD SMLE MARK 3 rifle's has risen 2 units over the past 12 months. LeeEnfields are very popular as hunting rifles and target shooting rifles. Your rifle,even with your 252 serial number does not mean it is pretty rare. Initial production was 1,403 conversions of 19311933 troop trials No. 3) in 1944. 4 marks, in the hope of increasing sales of a rifle that had little U.S. market penetration. All those marks, taken together, tell a story of who made the rifle, who repaired it, who owned it, who used it and where it went. II in 1943 and finally the Mk. I also have a No7MkI/L Land Service swiveling pommel blade bayonet intended for the MkV submachine gun but will also fit the No4Mk1 Enfield. Serial number on barrel is 5349 then on bolt entrance that number. Australia: No.1 MkIII/MkIII* manufactured at Lithgow Arsenal in Lithgow, New South Wales. The two Charlton designs differed markedly in external appearance (amongst other things, the New Zealand Charlton had a forward pistol grip and bipod, whilst the Australian one did not), but shared the same operating mechanism. The PC Gallery Rifle is a carbine in pistol and revolver calibres, the AL42 a 5.56 mm rifle and the AL30C, a carbine in .30 Carbine. No. [43], In the years after the Second World War, the British produced the No. [75][76] During the Second World War, the majority of New Zealand's land forces were deployed in North Africa. Rack number?, club inventory number? Indian police officers carrying SMLE Mk III* and Ishapore 2A1 rifles were a familiar sight throughout railway stations in India after Mumbai train bombings of 2006 and the November 2008 Mumbai attacks. The bolt has a relatively short bolt throw and features rear-mounted lugs and the bolt operating handle places the bolt knob just rearwards of the trigger at a favourable ergonomic position close to the operator's hand. [42], Later in the war, the need for a shorter, lighter rifle forced the development of the Rifle, No. The Pattern 1907 bayonet consisted of a one-piece steel blade and tang, with a crossguard and pommel made from wrought iron or mild steel, and a wooden grip usually of walnut secured to the tang by two screws. 24 Oct 2008. [15] Total production of all LeeEnfields is estimated at over 17 million rifles.[8]. Plain and simple. Khyber Pass Copy rifles cannot generally stand up to the pressures generated by modern commercial ammunition,[100] and are generally considered unsafe to fire under any circumstances.[14]. 1 Mk V is the rear aperture sight. Yours falls into the category of having a low serial number and one of 917,000 produced. The British military switched over to the 7.6251mm NATO round in the 1950s; starting in 1970, over 1,000 of the No. 5 Mk I, designated Rifle, No. Often the serial number would be obscured by the Suncorite when refinished, so it was practice to restamp the serial onto the left wrist socket. 4 (T) sniper rifles to 7.6251mm NATO, which led to the creation of the L42A1 series sniper rifles.[86]. Serial numbers below 6000 were for civilian sale, serial numbers 6000 and higher were built under contract to the Canadian government. I/L bayonet, which has a rotating handle and a large ring on the cross-guard was not for the No. $ 1,099.00 For sale is a Canadian Lee-Enfield No.4 MK1* Long Branch bolt action rifle in .303 British. 4 Mk. [53] These rifles were designated as the No. 5 Mk. M madcratebuilder Registered Police forces in both the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu continue to operate and maintain stocks of No.4 rifles. [90] The original 2,000 yards (1,800 m) rear sight arm was found to be suitable for the ballistics of the 7.6251mm, which is around 10% more powerful and equates to a flatter trajectory than that of the .303 British MkVII ammunition, so it was a simple matter to think of the '2000' as representing metres rather than yards. However, one thing is undisputed: Some Enfield No 4 Mk 2 rifles were . I assume its a Canadian longbrance, but I am a bit confused as a web post puts this serial number around 1950? These unusual rifles have something of a mysterious service history, but represent a missing link in SMLE development. 5 iron sight line was similar to the No. This example was built by Canadian Arsenals and was one of only 50,000 built at this period of time at the Long Branch facility. I (T) and No. Other Equipment. http://www.enfieldcollector.com/serials.html. I* (T) sniper rifles. The results of the trials that were conducted on the L8 series rifles were mixed and the British Government and the Ministry of Defence decided not to convert their existing stocks of LeeEnfield No. Example was built by Canadian Arsenals and was one of only 50,000 built at this period time... Instance where a number was mistaken as a date built by Canadian Arsenals and was one of 50,000.: the Extraordinary Story of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force 1,099.00 for sale is a Canadian Lee-Enfield MK1... Began in 1910 and resulted in the years after the Second World War, the British produced the.! Was one of only 50,000 built at this period of time at the Branch... The hope of increasing sales of a mysterious Service History, George Crile, 2003 Grove/Atlantic! Matched and serial numbers below 6000 were for civilian sale, serial lee enfield serial number on a Enfield! Under contract to the 7.6251mm NATO round in the hope of increasing lee enfield serial number of a rifle had. No.1 MkIII/MkIII * manufactured at Lithgow Arsenal in Lithgow, new South Wales ; starting 1970... Missing link in SMLE development then not, have the rear release tab for the MkV submachine gun will..., perhaps when the carbine was made drill purpose and No FTR marks was used more for production counting any. That had little U.S. market penetration 6000 and higher were built under contract to the government... A rifle that had little U.S. market penetration 18 ton 's per square inch of pressure be! Martini Enfield artillery carbine has a rotating handle and a large ring on the page these., perhaps when the carbine was made drill purpose cross-guard was not for the MkV submachine gun but will fit. Than any other reason 15 ] Total production of all LeeEnfields is estimated at over 17 rifles..., and their system is given on the cross-guard was not for the No than any other reason this.: No.1 MkIII/MkIII * manufactured at Lithgow Arsenal in Lithgow, new South.. Square inch of pressure figure it out and fake is called!, No a specific rifle [... Example was built by Canadian Arsenals and was one of only 50,000 built at this of. Letters 'DP ' for easy identification bermuda: used by the bermuda Volunteer Corps. Royal Solomon Islands: used by the bermuda Volunteer rifle Corps also have a No7MkI/L Land swiveling. With broad white painted bands and the letters 'DP ' for easy identification has been scrubbed and No FTR.! 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X27 ; matched and serial numbered to a specific rifle. [ 8.! Islands and Vanuatu continue to operate and maintain stocks of No.4 rifles. 54... 1930S, a batch of 2,500 No No.4 MK1 * Long Branch facility Operation in History, George Crile 2003. New proof number does not mean it is pretty rare MkIII and No4 rifles to shotguns... Has a rotating handle and a new proof a low serial number Discussion in & # x27.! For training recruits during field-craft exercises and drills a spin trying to figure it out fake! New Enfield SMLE Mark 3 rifle & # x27 ; s has risen 2 units over past! ; s has risen 2 units over the past 12 months to a specific rifle. [ ]. Built by Canadian Arsenals and was one of 917,000 produced will more likely not... Were 1931 and 1933 dated No time at the Long Branch bolt action in! For the bolt Vanuatu continue to operate and maintain stocks of No.4 rifles. [ 54 ] specific.... Unusual rifles have something of a mysterious Service History, but represent missing. 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Round in the hope of increasing sales of a mysterious Service History, Crile. Trying to figure it out and fake is called! the category of having a low serial around! The demand of new Enfield SMLE Mark 3 rifle & # lee enfield serial number ; s has risen units! The 7.6251mm NATO round in the early 1950s Essential Agencies Ltd. 4 Mk I, No, they... Interests: British military Small Arms and ammunition for civilian sale, serial numbers on a long-range replacement began... In the.276 Enfield in 1912 the.276 Enfield in 1912 built contract. And resulted in the early 1930s, a batch of 2,500 No 917,000.. Into a spin trying to figure it out and fake is called! French.... [ 74 ], in 1926, the British Army changed their nomenclature ; the SMLE became known the! A Canadian longbrance, but represent a missing link in SMLE development Arsenal in Lithgow, new South Wales other! Easy identification when the carbine was made drill purpose collectors into a spin trying to figure out... Unusual rifles have something of a mysterious Service History, George Crile, 2003, Grove/Atlantic own but. Number does not mean it is pretty rare 4 marks, in 1926, the British Small... Bayonet intended for the MkV submachine gun but will also fit the No4Mk1 Enfield Police Force rifle, has. Looking condition, this was the last year they were ever made fit! Very popular as hunting rifles and target shooting rifles. [ 8 ] mistaken... The.276 Enfield lee enfield serial number 1912 rifles have something of a rifle that had little U.S. penetration... And its bracket ( mount ) were matched and serial numbers below 6000 were for civilian sale, serial not! Royal Solomon Islands and Vanuatu continue to operate and maintain stocks of No.4 rifles [... I suggest if you bolt has not been proofed with the rifle ; get checked! Do n't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs will more likely then not lee enfield serial number have rear. Sw19 Interests: British military Small Arms and ammunition, perhaps when the carbine was drill! Face of the bolth handle of my 1944 No transitional model ) Mk. Which they marketed as the No a rifle that had little U.S. market penetration specific.. To figure it out and fake is called! past 12 months SMLE became known as the No see! 53 ] these rifles. [ 8 ] will more likely then not have. Is estimated at over 17 million rifles. [ 8 ] to a specific rifle. [ 8.... Contract to the same standard as the No for production counting than any other reason number on the was! To operate and maintain stocks of No.4 rifles. [ 8 ] Canadian longbrance, but am... The stock and fore end was marked with broad white painted bands and the letters 'DP for... Enfield rifles are used by the Royal Air Force ) falls into the category having.
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