BSA custom

[Beater]

this probably really isnt the place for this, but i thought it may be interesting to post it hear. picked up a BSA custom rifle , and what a beauty. never seen anything like it, scrole work all over it, and fine workmanship. reminds me so much of " The ghost in the darkness" only missing the front sight hood, and someone has bastardized the buttplate, but i have the original so ill get it fitted again. anyone have any original BSA adds, or info on this to try and place for date?not very good pics but i will take some better ones. need some 215gr 312 bullets now
very cool rifle anyways

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q203/maxpowerbuick/BSA1
SRLeeenfield021.jpg

 

[french_fried_taters]

Very cool, love the look of it. Where did you pick it up..and for how much if you don't mind me asking? Would love to get my hands on a similar rifle someday.

 

[JamesM]

I like it but is it a lee-enfield or a lee-metford action?

 

[Beater]

number 2 metford, i think, not sure

 

[smellie]

Mechanically, there was no difference between the Lee-Metford Mark II* and the Lee-Enfield Mark I. From the photos, your rifle could be either, although a Very Nice Commercial into the bargain.

Check the bore. The Lee-Metford has 7 segmental grooves, left-hand, 1 turn in 10 inches. These barrels often look completely washed-out even when they are in near-new condition.

The Lee-Enfield has 5 grooves, equal width with the lands, left-hand, 1 turn in 10 inches. It is very distinctive and very obvious. Also, if you feed it low-pressure loads and flat-based bullets, it lasts five-eighths of forever.

The external condition of this rifle is such that distinguishing barrel type should be a snap.

A beautiful specimen!

Congratulations!


BTW, military production of the LMII* - LEI was only 1895 through 1901. Commercials would have continued a little longer, as 'everyone knows' that that new Short rifle is a piece of junk! Modern, yes, but theyll never catch on!
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[louthepou]

Thanks for posting these pics Beater, it's indeed a really nice BSA!

 

[Beater]

well because of the swept forward bolt handle i guessed it to be the older action. i also have a mag cutoff from a 1901 dated #1 and it will not fit. im sure it has enfield rifleing, not metford.
its a wonderfull rifle, i need a set of hooks for the sling , and its missing the front sight hood, so if anyone has any in the junk box....

 

[smellie]

Flattened, forward-swept bolt handle was peculiar to the Carbine in military service. If your serial number matches, it`s just one more piece of evidence that this was a factory-ordered Custom rifle; normally they were not supplied thus.

We need somebody in here who really KNOWS Commercials.
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[Beater]

yes and i have put it beside a LEC and its the same sweep, but not flattened the same, so who knows.