Anything special about these 303s.....?

blasted_saber

blasted_saber

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
17   0   0
Location
A blue part of Ontario
I was over at my dads today, and decided to have a look at his 303s. Hes got two kicking around the gun cabinet. Both of these guns were given to many moons agao, and he doesnt know or care much about their history

DSC_0099.jpg


The top one is a No4 Mk1, or so it says. Im assuming its been sporterized (the stock.....). Was this a factory job, or a bubba job? It does shoulder very nice, and doesnt weigh a whole lot.

DSC_0104.jpg


The bottom one is No1 Mk III*. From what ive read, I gather it was primarily used by the Austrailians? What was their use by Canada, if any? Anywho, the bolt is unbelievably smooth on it. It feels better then any of my "modern" firearms.

DSC_0100.jpg


Both guns are in pretty good shape on the exterior. I was always told the MkIII had lost its rifling, but I dont think anyone in my family has fired it in 20 years, so im not sure how accurate that statement is.

I hope to get both these guns out and try them soon. The MkI I may even hunt with this fall, its a beaut to carry.
 
Well the No.4 has been FTR'd (Factory thorough Repair/Refurb) most likely at the Fazarkaly arms factory. It has been sporterized, weather it was done commercially or by bubba I can't tell from the pics. You can tell if its commercially sported because it will be marked with things such as "BNP" (British Nitro Proof), "England", "18.5 tonnes per []" ", ".303", "2.222" among other things.

The No.1 is a Ishipore (India) manufacture, it looks all there, so if you wanted, you could get a full stock and the necessary hardware (bands, nosecap, ect) and restore her. The No.1 was the earlier Lee Enfield. It was used by Canada and the UK until the No.4 came around, but was still used (and manufactured) by Australia and India. until the end of WWII.
 
LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1 said:
Well the No.4 has been FTR'd (Factory thorough Repair/Refurb) most likely at the Fazarkaly arms factory. It has been sporterized, weather it was done commercially or by bubba I can't tell from the pics. You can tell if its commercially sported because it will be marked with things such as "BNP" (British Nitro Proof), "England", "18.5 tonnes per []" ", ".303", "2.222" among other things.

The No.1 is a Ishipore (India) manufacture, it looks all there, so if you wanted, you could get a full stock and the necessary hardware (bands, nosecap, ect) and restore her. The No.1 was the earlier Lee Enfield. It was used by Canada and the UK until the No.4 came around, but was still used (and manufactured) by Australia and India. until the end of WWII.
Click to expand...

Yes, it does have a bunch of stuff like that on it.
 
LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1 said:
Then its a commercial sporter, It is most likely a Parker Hale model. They were well know as being one of the Best Enfield conversions you can get. They were done very well, and are considered to be part of Enfield History.
Click to expand...

Well thats good to know. My dad hunted with up until two years ago (wanted a pump gun and scope), and im actually surprised its as good a shape as it is. Hes the "put the gun in the cabinet after deer season and not look at it again until October" type guy. I guess his cleaning skills were better then I thought they were.

Thanks for the info
 
As L.E.No4Mk1 says, your No4 sure looks indeed like a "legit" sporterized Lee Enfield. Seems to be some nice stock on that one. Keep it in good shape, it does have some value.

The No1Mk3 is a typical Bubba's job. The metal looks great though. How's the bore? The butt stock appears to have some nice striping pattern to it. But it does look like it has been sanded somewhat in its past. Again as L.E.No4Mk1 says, can be return to its oh-so-much-more-###y military configuration :)

Have you shot them?

Lou
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom