I just picked up Big Ben's 1914 dated BSA No. III. Thanks for shipping it like a pro. That thing could have been dropped 5 storeys without damage.
It is a real beauty for an evil sporter. The bore is excellent. I jumped on the opportunity to own a 1914 SMLE and took a chance with this one but so far so good.
Why did I buy this? Besides what I think is obvious I am gearing up for the 100yr anniversary. Not mine, the great war! I already have a 1914 Mosin 91'. Two down...a few more to go. I am trying to put together a collection of service rifles from the great war with the start date of the faction the date of the rifle. 1915 for a Carcano for example. 1917 for a Springfield 1903, etc. Although I do own most great war service rifles, the dates are not "the start date". May seem anal but I have a theme going here.
Back to the rifle. Taking it apart and looking it over. The barrel (full length!), receiver, and rear sight all match. The rear sight is the proper period for 1914 with the adjustable windage. The trigger guard also appears to be the correct variation for 1914.
The bolt is not proper though, well specifically the cocking piece.
I need a wood set with the volley sight holes. Yes I do plan on putting those ridiculous sights on (did they really think firing this at 2600yds was going to harass the enemy??).
So I am specifically tracking down in order of rarest to easiest.
1. Volley sights - original. This is likely cost more than the rifle itself. I know repro's are out there for a fraction of what it may cost to get an original but I am prepared to bit the bullet on this one. I know the p14s are more common but are not correct and don't fit.
2. Wood set - I am OK with repro as long as it's proper period wood (walnut). EFD appears to make a decent set and chasing one down as I write this.
3. Round cocking piece, mag cut off, and few other metal parts that match the proper variation for a 1914.
Open to suggestions, advice, and general tips. If you happen to have a part I may need and wand to sell by all MEANS save me the hassle of doing a run to Ogdensburg because some American on Ebay refuses to ship it here. ACK - that part of ebay is most annoying.
I hope to do a decent a job ala Flying Pig. I will update as pieces come in.
If anyone is an expert on barrel markings - what do all these mean?
Smellie and Buffdog if you got any pointers - and likely you can write a book on this- by all means fire away. Should I get into my trench first though????
It is a real beauty for an evil sporter. The bore is excellent. I jumped on the opportunity to own a 1914 SMLE and took a chance with this one but so far so good.
Why did I buy this? Besides what I think is obvious I am gearing up for the 100yr anniversary. Not mine, the great war! I already have a 1914 Mosin 91'. Two down...a few more to go. I am trying to put together a collection of service rifles from the great war with the start date of the faction the date of the rifle. 1915 for a Carcano for example. 1917 for a Springfield 1903, etc. Although I do own most great war service rifles, the dates are not "the start date". May seem anal but I have a theme going here.
Back to the rifle. Taking it apart and looking it over. The barrel (full length!), receiver, and rear sight all match. The rear sight is the proper period for 1914 with the adjustable windage. The trigger guard also appears to be the correct variation for 1914.
The bolt is not proper though, well specifically the cocking piece.
I need a wood set with the volley sight holes. Yes I do plan on putting those ridiculous sights on (did they really think firing this at 2600yds was going to harass the enemy??).
So I am specifically tracking down in order of rarest to easiest.
1. Volley sights - original. This is likely cost more than the rifle itself. I know repro's are out there for a fraction of what it may cost to get an original but I am prepared to bit the bullet on this one. I know the p14s are more common but are not correct and don't fit.
2. Wood set - I am OK with repro as long as it's proper period wood (walnut). EFD appears to make a decent set and chasing one down as I write this.
3. Round cocking piece, mag cut off, and few other metal parts that match the proper variation for a 1914.
Open to suggestions, advice, and general tips. If you happen to have a part I may need and wand to sell by all MEANS save me the hassle of doing a run to Ogdensburg because some American on Ebay refuses to ship it here. ACK - that part of ebay is most annoying.
I hope to do a decent a job ala Flying Pig. I will update as pieces come in.
If anyone is an expert on barrel markings - what do all these mean?
Smellie and Buffdog if you got any pointers - and likely you can write a book on this- by all means fire away. Should I get into my trench first though????
