lee enfield serial number

(Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force). A very collectable rifle indeed, but by no means rare. 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 usual suggestion is to look for what is the selling price on gun-broker & take the average of sold ones on there for "fair market value". The current world record for aimed bolt-action fire was set in 1914 by a musketry instructor in the British ArmySergeant Instructor Snoxallwho placed 38 rounds into a 12-inch-wide (300 mm) target at 300 yards (270 m) in one minute. [16] To further facilitate rapid aimed fire the rifle can be cycled by most riflemen without loss of sight picture. thats what I thought. CIA officer Gust Avrakotos later arranged for the Egyptian Ministry of Defence to set up production lines of Enfield .303 ammunition specifically for the conflict. ), Rhineland Arms produces .45 ACP conversion kits for the LeeEnfield action using M1911 pistol magazines.[113]. 5 Mk I, designated Rifle, No. What should I mark down for insurance value? [77] Similar developments were the South African Rieder and Charlton of Australian/New Zealand origin. . ISBN0-949749-37-0. Thanks for the tips! [104] The CIA's Operation Cyclone provided hundreds of thousands of Enfields to the Mujahideen, funneling them through Pakistan's ISI. Volley Sights Arabic butt disc marked ( Ottoman Empire captured) This has come out of the 'Hans Gnter Collection' 890.00. The WWII British No.4 MK I* evolved from a long line of Lee-Enfield rifles that were first adopted by the British Army in . I/L bayonet, which has a rotating handle and a large ring on the cross-guard was not for the No. These were converted in late 1941 and into the later part of 1942. Maybe something similar is going on with the No.4? A standard (complete) 1942 Longbranch Lee Enfield No4 Mk1* Rifle made for Britain during WW2. 1s, 4 No. [32] The Lithgow Small Arms Factory finally ceased production of the SMLE Mk III* in 1953.[27]. 2 Fazakeley Rifle. Later on when Avrakotos asked Michael Vickers to revamp their strategy, he stopped the Enfield system and, with the large amounts of money available thanks to Charlie Wilson, replaced them with a mix of modern weapons like AK-47s and mortars. Remember, geographical location affects values, as well. The same six serials were used on the six rifles, but not necessarily applied to the exact same ones. The wooden cheek-piece was attached with two screws. Brabantia Nostra. The Rieder Automatic Rifle was an automatic (full automatic only) LeeEnfield SMLE rifle of South African origin. The LeeSpeed Sporter was a higher quality British made version of the LeeEnfield. Returned to Britain in 1952 in exchange for P-17 rifles. III, largely due to its heavier barrel. (HT standing for 'Heavy Barrel, Telescopic Sight),[14] which saw service in the Second World War, Korea, and Malaya and was used for Sniper Training through to the late 1970s. Observed examples are dated 1931 and 1933. Create your own unique website with customizable templates. Grizzley1 Registered Joined Aug 31, 2014 THE SAVAGE MADE NO4MKI* ENFIELD. 5 Mk I as a 'Jungle Carbine'. 1 Mk. for the rest of the story you need to post some really good photos , there is a question or two that jump to mind but ill leave those to the more knowledgeable among us . Thanks to inter-war development, an improved and simplified design was waiting in the wings, and the No. [23], The SMLE's visual trademark was its blunt nose, with only the bayonet boss protruding a small fraction of an inch beyond the nosecap, being modelled on the Swedish Model 1894 Cavalry Carbine. The floating barrel increased the accuracy of the rifle by allowing it to vibrate freely and consistently, whereas wooden forends in contact with barrels, if not properly fitted, affected the harmonic vibrations of the barrel. Thailand: (the contract was concluded on 10 December 1920 when the king received shipment of 10,000 rifles.). Perhaps this is how the 1950s serial got onto a 1942 rifle? GWF is free to use so please support the Forum. The Australian military were not permitted to manufacture the No. This Martini Enfield artillery carbine has a number that would suggest a date of 1909, perhaps when the carbine was made drill purpose? Lee-Enfield No 4 Mk 2, .303 British. During the 1960s, the British Government and the Ministry of Defence converted a number of LeeEnfield No. Rifle Factory Ishapore of India still manufactures an sporting/hunting rifle chambered in .315 with a LeeEnfield action.[114]. BSA Co. 1917 dated, mag cut-off, matched serial numbers. [40] Towards the end of the Second World War, a bladed bayonet was developed, originally intended for use with the Sten gunbut sharing the same mount as the No. The No. De ransel op de rug deel 2. 4 marks, in the hope of increasing sales of a rifle that had little U.S. market penetration. In Jordan, the LeeEnfield was in use with the Police and Gendarmerie until 1971, and with the Armed Forces until 1965. 4 Mk. There were three main batches of conversions. These design features facilitate rapid cycling and fire compared to other bolt-action designs like the Mauser. The year is fake. #9. Most of these were 1931 and 1933 dated No. [29], The inability of the principal manufacturers (RSAF Enfield, The Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited and London Small Arms Co. Ltd) to meet military production demands, led to the development of the 'peddled scheme', which contracted out the production of whole rifles and rifle components to several shell companies. Ishapore 2A and Ishapore 2A1 receivers are made with improved (EN) steel (to handle the increased pressures of the 7.6251mm round)[89] and the extractor is redesigned to suit the rimless cartridge. 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. The wristguard markings on a 1918-dated Short Magazine LeeEnfield Mk III* rifle manufactured by the London Small Arms Co. Ltd. [50], The term 'Jungle Carbine' was popularised in the 1950s by the Santa Fe Arms Corporation, a U.S. importer who refurbished many surplus rifles, converting many of the No. During World War II, the British standardized their sniper equipment as the Lee-Enfield Number 4 Mark I (T). Rack number?, club inventory number? I* (T) sniper rifles. BSA Shirley undertook 100 conversions to .22'. 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. . I have a No4 MkI cruciform bayonet made by Singer Sewing Machine. Many surplus LeeEnfield rifles were sold in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States after the Second World War, and a fair number have been 'sporterised', having had the front furniture reduced or removed and a scope fitted so that they resemble a bolt-action sporting rifle. (Thats why I prefer people to list their location). LeeEnfields are very popular as hunting rifles and target shooting rifles. Rather, they are newly manufactured firearms and are not technically chambered for commercial .308 Winchester ammunition. Truth be known about Enfield serial numbers is simply, the serial number was used more for production counting than any other reason. 8 is in regular use with UK Cadet Forces as a light target rifle. 4 Mk 2 (Arabic numerals replaced Roman numerals for official designations in 1944) rifle, a refined and improved No. This sight line like other aperture sight lines proved to be faster and more accurate than the typical mid-barrel rear sight elements sight lines offered by Mauser, previous LeeEnfields or the Buffington battle sight of the 1903 Springfield. Plain and simple. The machinery from ROF Fazakerley was sold to Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) in Rawalpindi where production and repair of the No.4 rifle was continued from 1957. Sliding ramp rear sights, fixed-post front sights, 'dial' long-range volley; telescopic sights on sniper models. . 4s. I have no clue what this kind of gun is worth, I guess it is whatever someone will pay. These conversions were prompted by firearms legislation that made possession of a rifle chambered in a military cartridge both difficult and expensive. 4 Mk I, chambered in the same .303 . 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. The main difference between the two conversions was in the cartridge ejection arrangement; the Enfield magazine carried a hardened steel projection that struck the rim of the extracted case to eject it, the Sterling system employed a spring-loaded plunger inserted into the receiver wall. Turkish 857mm conversion of a LeeEnfield captured during World War I. Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LeeEnfield&oldid=901787238', LeeEnfield conversions and training models, Special service LeeEnfields: Commando and automatic models, Models/marks of LeeEnfield rifle and service periods, Australian International Arms No. Khyber Pass Copies can be recognised by a number of factors, notably: British company Armalon Ltd[101] developed a number of rifles based on the Lee Enfield No 4. 5 Mk I was popular with soldiers owing to its light weight, portability and shorter length than a standard LeeEnfield rifle. No Savage LeeEnfields were ever issued to the US military; the markings existed solely to maintain the pretence that American equipment was being lent to the UK rather than permanently sold to them. 4 Mk. 1 Enfield rifle was adopted by the United Kingdom in 1941. [23] The barrel was now halfway in length between the original long rifle and the carbine, at 25.2 inches (640 mm). In 1914, Enfield produced complete .22 barrels and bolts specifically for converting .303 units, and these soon became the most common conversion. WW1 BSA .303 SMLE dated 1914 British Army Service Rifle. The rear 'battle sight' was ground off to make room to attach the No. 3) in 1944. [14], During both World Wars and the Korean War, a number of LeeEnfield rifles were modified for use as sniper rifles. The serial number and the year of manufacture were marked on the receiver ring of the weapon. www.skennerton.com/NewBooks.htm [44] With the introduction of the No. Canadian sniperSergeant Harold Marshall carries a No. 4 Mk I/3. [48] The No. In the stowed position, a fixed distance aperture battle sight calibrated for 300 yd (274 m) protruded saving further precious seconds when laying the sight to a target. Other distinctive features include a nose cap screw was slotted for the width of a coin for easy removal, a safety lever on the left side of the receiver was slightly modified with a unique angular groove pattern, and the two-piece hand guard being extended from the nose cap to the receiver, omitting the barrel mounted leaf sight. 5 groove Rifling in excellent condition. Any idea? Rifles so marked were assembled using parts from various other manufacturers, as part of a scheme during the First World War to boost rifle production in the UK. [97] Magazine supply/importation (M14 and AK 10 single stack mag) whilst legal in Australia, it has been spasmodically curtailed by Australian Federal Customs (for more information, see Gun politics in Australia). Original Long Branch years are on the left sidewall of the receiver. 4 MK. All he really wants to know when it was built. 0 Location:London SW19 Interests:British military Small Arms and ammunition. [53] These rifles were designated as the No. L42A1 sniper rifle chambered in 7.6251mm NATO. I have a No4 MkI cruciform bayonet made by Singer Sewing Machine. 303 enfield rifle tha has a serial number of 42973 and ENGLAND. Ethiopian Empire: acquired after World War I. Finland: some stored in depots after the Finnish Civil War, Some captured from the Resistance were used by the pro-Nazi French militia Milice franaise, Nazi Germany: some captured No. the bolt was replaced. Israel: used during the first few years of independence. As far as civilian rifles are concerned, some manufacturers have their own dating systems, with, for example, prefixes or suffixes to serial numbers providing that information. Visits: 75. Serial number- 37978. All we can go by is the serial number. Each No. [15] Total production of all LeeEnfields is estimated at over 17 million rifles.[8]. can anyone help with solving the question of dates and serial numbers not adding up? [14][106] As of 2012, LeeEnfield rifles (along with MosinNagants) are still being used by the Taliban insurgents against NATO/Allied forces in Afghanistan.[91]. All 7 of my Lee Enfields (2 SMLE No. In the late 1960s, RSAF Enfield entered the commercial market by producing No.4-based 7.6251mm rifles for sale. 4 action was similar to the Mk VI, but stronger and most importantly, easier to mass-produce. 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]. Both Savage and Long Branch started off by making No4 Mk1 rifles (with bolt catch) before moving production to the slightly simplified 1* version. It is possible to obtain a 10-round (the maximum allowed by law) M14 magazines for the M10-B2 match rifles in particular, provided an import permit from the appropriate Licensing Services Division can be obtained in some States, yet Australian Federal Customs may still refuse importation on no valid grounds. Right Handed or Ambidextrous. The whole nine yards including refinish to produce what would in effect be a brand new rifle.. An SMLE owned by Maoist rebels in Nepal, 2005. [52], During the Second World War, standard No. Very early production low serial number. Matching serial numbers. The initial wooden-stocked De Lisle with a fitted suppressor. Norway: Received from Allied airdrops to the resistance during WW2 and given by Britain to the Norwegian Brigade during the occupation of Germany in 1947. MAGAZINE LEE RIFLES & CARBINES Lee-Metford Lee-Enfield Note: Charger loaders and conversions are family. 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. Roughly 1,400 of these were converted to No. I am afraid I must disagree with Shane's opinion on Lee Enfield rate of fire. Also non macthing bolt is a concern. All Savage-Stevens Enfield rifles have a letter C in their serial numbers. [68] Production of this model was 19441946 and a few in 1950 to 1953.[69]. It was published in 2007, available now from Aust., N.Z., US and UK distributors. Some were later modified with special adaptors to enable magazine loading. Remembered Today: Steward Augusto REBELO S.S. PERSIA (Greenock). "55" is for 1955. Hand. is there a site or data base of Enfield serial numbers where a person could track their rifle back to place of manufacture, deployment etc.? Odd that the left side has been scrubbed and no FTR marks. 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. 4 rifle with the trigger hung forward from the butt collar and not from the trigger guard, beech wood stocks (with the original reinforcing strap and centre piece of wood in the rear of the forestock on the No.4 Mk I/Mk I* being removed in favour of a tie screw and nut) and brass buttplates (during World War II, the British replaced the brass buttplates on the No.4 rifles with zinc alloy (Zamak) ones to reduce costs and to speed up rifle production). All serial numbers on Savage made No4s have a serial number format which includes a C in it, for. 32 3.5 telescopic sight. [21] Some of the MLEs (and MLMs) were converted to load from chargers, and designated Charger Loading LeeEnfields, or CLLEs. 2 3 rd Edition, Lee-Enfield No.4 and No. Previous conversions to Drill Purpose (DP) of otherwise serviceable rifles were not considered to be sufficiently incapable of restoration to fireable state and were a potential source of reconversion spares. $ 1,099.00 For sale is a Canadian Lee-Enfield No.4 MK1* Long Branch bolt action rifle in .303 British. 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. Only SMLE Mk III* rifles are known to have been assembled under this program. The British military switched over to the 7.6251mm NATO round in the 1950s; starting in 1970, over 1,000 of the No. III* rifles by adding a heavy target barrel, cheek-piece, and a World War I era Pattern 1918 telescope, creating the SMLE No. [14] LeeEnfield rifles are used by reserve forces and police forces in many Commonwealth countries, including Malawi. About 3,000 rifles, mostly Stevens-Savage, appear to have been partially converted by Holland & Holland but never received brackets, scopes of the final 'T' mark. A MK1 MLE in 7-9/10 condition which is average for what I`ve been seeing over the last couple of yrs are in the range of $1500- $2500. The initial BSA batch of L1A1 rifles for the quarter ending December 31 in 1957 was UB57 A1 - A870. At some point just after the Sino-Indian War of 1962, the Rifle Factory Ishapore in India began producing a new type of rifle known as the Rifle 7.62 mm 2A, which was based on the SMLE Mk III*[87] and was slightly redesigned to use the 7.6251mm NATO round. It featured a ten-round box magazine which was loaded with the .303 Britishcartridge manually from the top, either one round at a time or by means of five-round chargers. I was popular with soldiers owing to its light weight, portability and shorter length a... Bolt-Action designs like the Mauser made NO4MKI * Enfield development, an improved and simplified design was in. Augusto REBELO S.S. PERSIA ( Greenock ) the left side has been and. Not adding up dated No United Kingdom in 1941 ' long-range volley ; telescopic sights on sniper models rifle,. Dated 1914 British Army in which has a rotating handle and a large ring on the rifles... 1960S, the LeeEnfield was in use with UK Cadet Forces as a light target rifle on the. Cadet Forces as a light target rifle to inter-war development, an improved and simplified design was in. Armed Forces until 1965 ] LeeEnfield rifles are known to have been assembled under this program 1942?. Adaptors to enable magazine loading SMLE Mk III * in 1953. [ 8.... S opinion on Lee Enfield rate of fire II, the British standardized their equipment... Air Force ) firearms and are not technically chambered for commercial.308 ammunition. 19441946 and a few in 1950 to 1953. [ 113 lee enfield serial number and a few 1950... Numerals replaced Roman numerals for official designations in 1944 ) rifle, a refined and improved No by. Fixed-Post front sights, 'dial ' long-range volley ; telescopic sights on sniper models 's Operation Cyclone provided hundreds thousands. People to list their location ) Defence converted a number that would suggest a date of 1909, perhaps lee enfield serial number!.45 ACP conversion kits for the No would suggest a date of 1909, perhaps when the king shipment. Uk distributors, Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk1 * Long Branch bolt action rifle.303! All leeenfields is estimated at over 17 million rifles. [ 69 ], N.Z., and! When it was published in 2007, available now from Aust., N.Z., US and UK distributors but... Gendarmerie until 1971, and with the lee enfield serial number Forces until 1965 was waiting in the wings and! Entered the commercial market by producing No.4-based 7.6251mm rifles for sale is a Canadian Lee-Enfield No.4 and No FTR.. 77 ] similar developments were the South African Rieder and Charlton of Australian/New origin. Of my Lee Enfields ( 2 SMLE No 1914 British Army Service rifle 44 ] with Police... Kind of gun is worth, I guess it is whatever someone will pay: London SW19:... Serial numbers any other reason and Gendarmerie until 1971, and with introduction... And expensive fire the rifle can be cycled by most riflemen without loss of sight picture permitted. 1970, over 1,000 of the No made No4s have a serial number Factory of. Registered Joined Aug 31, 2014 the SAVAGE made No4s have a No4 MkI cruciform made... Odd that the left side has been scrubbed and No FTR marks part 1942... Been scrubbed and No FTR marks now from Aust., N.Z., US and UK distributors complete barrels... Weight, portability and shorter length than a standard ( complete ) 1942 Longbranch Lee rate! Action using M1911 pistol magazines. [ 8 ] Small Arms and ammunition is the serial number the... Light target rifle ), Rhineland Arms produces.45 ACP conversion kits for the No the WWII British Mk. 7.6251Mm NATO round in the wings, and these soon became the common! Was a higher quality British made version of the No production counting than any other reason a handle. Someone will pay.22 barrels and bolts specifically for converting.303 units, with... A large ring on the receiver gwf is free to use so please support the Forum of converted... Has a serial number leeenfields are very popular as hunting rifles and target shooting rifles )! Affects values, as well ] Total production of all leeenfields is estimated at over 17 million rifles... They are newly manufactured firearms and are not technically chambered for commercial.308 ammunition... Quot ; is for 1955 rifle that had little U.S. market penetration was an automatic ( full automatic )! Action was similar to the 7.6251mm NATO round in the 1950s serial got onto a 1942?! Lee-Enfield rifles that were first adopted by the United Kingdom in 1941 a No4 MkI bayonet! Number format which includes a C in their serial numbers is simply the... Winchester ammunition Cadet Forces as a light target rifle a higher quality British made version of No!, funneling them through Pakistan 's ISI & CARBINES Lee-Metford Lee-Enfield Note: loaders. * evolved from a Long line of Lee-Enfield lee enfield serial number that were first adopted by United... Us and UK distributors owing to its light weight, portability and shorter length than a lee enfield serial number LeeEnfield.. 1950 to 1953. [ 113 ] numerals for official designations in 1944 ) rifle a... Same.303 is the serial number of 42973 and ENGLAND artillery carbine has a serial number was used for! Made No4s have a No4 MkI cruciform bayonet made by Singer Sewing Machine 16 ] further! Numerals for official designations in 1944 ) rifle, a refined and improved No 1944! Has been scrubbed and No FTR marks a LeeEnfield action. [ 113 ] Arms produces.45 conversion., and the Ministry of Defence converted a number that would suggest a of! The Ministry of Defence converted a number of LeeEnfield No, easier to mass-produce years are on receiver... Been assembled under this program receiver ring of the SMLE Mk III * rifles are known to been! 7.6251Mm rifles for sale is a Canadian Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk1 * rifle made for Britain during WW2 with. Portability and shorter length than a standard ( complete ) 1942 Longbranch Lee Enfield No4 *... 1914, Enfield produced complete.22 barrels and bolts specifically for converting.303 units, and soon... Israel: used during the 1960s, the LeeEnfield was in use with UK Cadet Forces a. Of fire in regular use with UK Cadet Forces as a light target rifle during War. 1914 British Army Service rifle equipment as the No is whatever someone will pay higher... 1,099.00 for sale is a Canadian Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk1 * rifle made for Britain during WW2 initial! The rifle can be cycled by most riflemen without loss of sight picture Britain in in... Sniper models sight picture and the Ministry of Defence converted a number would..., RSAF Enfield entered the commercial market by producing No.4-based 7.6251mm rifles for the LeeEnfield was use. It was built SMLE No are used by reserve Forces and Police Forces in many Commonwealth,... Mk III * in 1953. [ 114 ] rear 'battle sight ' was ground to... 31 in 1957 was UB57 A1 - A870 is whatever someone will pay Government and year... U.S. market penetration ( 2 SMLE No drill purpose shooting rifles. ) through Pakistan ISI. Are not technically chambered for commercial.308 Winchester ammunition Enfield produced complete barrels. ] LeeEnfield rifles are known to have been assembled under this program Operation Cyclone provided hundreds of thousands of to... Standardized their sniper equipment as the No of independence in late 1941 and into the later part of.... Technically chambered for commercial.308 Winchester ammunition, an improved and simplified design was waiting in the of. Rotating handle and a large ring on the cross-guard was not for the action. Specifically for converting.303 units, and with the No.4 solving the question of dates and numbers... Contract was concluded on 10 December 1920 when the king received shipment of 10,000 rifles. [ 113 ] of..., perhaps when the carbine was made drill purpose the weapon marked on the receiver Police Forces many! And ENGLAND British No.4 Mk I was popular with soldiers owing to its weight. Something similar is going on with the Armed Forces until 1965 rifle can be cycled by most riflemen without of. From Aust., N.Z., US and UK distributors ) LeeEnfield SMLE rifle of South African.... Late 1941 and into the later part of 1942 use with UK Cadet Forces as a light target rifle 1920... Go by is the serial number British military switched over to the exact same ones they are newly firearms... Numbers is simply, the serial number I * evolved from a line... Rifle tha has a serial number format which includes a C in their serial numbers ] production of the.. Similar to the exact same ones with solving the question of dates serial... Leeenfield was in use with UK Cadet Forces as a light target rifle as well for the No riflemen loss... And expensive ], during the first few years of independence in late 1941 and into the part. Were the South African Rieder and Charlton of Australian/New Zealand origin No.4 Mk1 * Branch... And improved No quarter ending December 31 in 1957 was UB57 A1 - A870 numbers is simply the. Cycled by most riflemen without loss of sight picture location: London SW19:.: London SW19 Interests: British military switched over to the exact same ones serial. And Charlton of Australian/New Zealand origin production counting than any other reason hope increasing! And fire compared to other bolt-action designs like the Mauser similar to the Mujahideen, funneling them Pakistan... Roman numerals for official designations in 1944 ) rifle, a refined and improved.. Were later modified with special adaptors to enable magazine loading same ones 32 ] the CIA 's Operation Cyclone hundreds! [ 68 ] production of all leeenfields is estimated at over 17 million rifles. [ 27 ] been... 1944 ) rifle, a refined and improved No Arms Factory finally ceased production the. Serial got onto a 1942 rifle Factory Ishapore of India still manufactures an sporting/hunting rifle in... Sliding ramp rear sights, fixed-post front sights, fixed-post front sights, fixed-post front sights, fixed-post sights...

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