Enfield arrived today!

I am glad to say that she was packed up beautifully. She looks to be in pretty good shape too. I'll have to clean her up, but that's about it. w:h:
I am confused about the serial number though. It seems to have been changed, or punched out, or something. All I can get is ?/?? (new punches look like 77) AA 20075. It's kind of a mess. The bolt and receiver match (AA 20075).
I haven't taken pictures or disassembled it yet.
The stock has some dings, but I asked for a good bore so that's okay.
Do you think I should bring it in to my gunsmith and have it checked before taking it out to shoot?
Also, the stock seems to have a little crown and then a 39 under it
 
Do you think I should bring it in to my gunsmith and have it checked before taking it out to shoot?

There are too many posts about that go on and on about "you gotta get lee enfield rifles head space checked". It's not just lee enfields that should be checked, all surplus rifles should be checked.

My rules to determine if there's a concern/problem.

1) Poor condition of the rifle in general.
2) Miss matched serial numbers.
3) If the bolt on any rifle moves forward and back after it has been decocked & closed.
4) Wear marks that are into the metal not just the finish.
5) Poor fitting parts (ie bolt, stock action/barrel).
6) When in doubt, get is checked out by a competent gunsmith.

Saying that:

:needPics:
 
Okay, take it easy. I already said I haven't taken pictures yet. Every time I describe a rifle, I get a "this thread is worthless without pics". I thought this site was also to give help and info to new and experienced people alike, not just to entertain others with pictures.
That said, thanks for the info. I suppose I'll get it checked.
 
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Okay, take it easy. I already said I haven't taken pictures yet. Every time I describe a rifle, I get a "this thread is worthless without pics". I thought this site was also to give help and info to new and experienced people alike, not just entertaining others with pictures.
That said, thanks for the info. I suppose I'll get it checked.

Yup, pictures won't tell you anything about headspace. It is always prudent to have the headspace checked on a used rifle, especially if you know nothing about it's history. The LEs are especially worth checking because bolt heads can be so readily switched. I'm don't think I'm overly anal by having a good range of headspace guages and bore gauges for the MILSURP ctgs that I'm interested in.

The more fastidious will also want to check for a cracked receiver. I've always done this and have found one, which makes it a worthwhile precaution.
 
You miss the enthusiasm on this board, seriously. We all love surplus rifles and are keen to see them... I myself and very curious about the TradEx No4's. A picture is worth a thousand words.
 
I too am enthusiastic about military surplus rifles, that is why I'm seeking information on this one. I don't have an online picture account set up and other than that, I'm not sure how to put pictures on here. Also, my first urge is to find out history of the firearm, then take it apart and clean it up, not take pictures. Sorry if I'm being a downer. Seriously.
Anyone know how to date this particular rifle given the information presented?
I found a '0' on my bolt head and it sounds like that is good news if it needs to be switched out.
 
I too am enthusiastic about military surplus rifles, that is why I'm seeking information on this one. I don't have an online picture account set up and other than that, I'm not sure how to put pictures on here. Also, my first urge is to find out history of the firearm, then take it apart and clean it up, not take pictures. Sorry if I'm being a downer. Seriously.
Anyone know how to date this particular rifle given the information presented?
I found a '0' on my bolt head and it sounds like that is good news if it needs to be switched out.

What are the markings on the left hand side of the butt socket? They will tell us the date & manufacture. But I'm guessing its going to be either Fazakerley or Maltby 1943, that is if it's the batch I think it is.

Pete
 
Here's a pic of my sporterized Lee Enfield that I just got today.

5331434480_e719fb049d_b.jpg


This thread now has a pic, let it continue normally as per the request of the OP. :)
 
Markings can be located here on a No1MkIII* (I know the pict is a no1 and not a no1MkIII* its just the general area)

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of here on a No4Mk1 or No4Mk1

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no9sn2.gif
 
Thanks Moderate Sniper. I do appreciate it! Your rifle looks awesome. You should be pleased. I just cleaned mine up and I'm happy with it too. No rust at all!
Thanks for the pics Plabtzz. I wish the markings were that clear on mine, but no such luck. Only the AA20075 is decipherable. The date markings have been stamped out. Go figure. At least the bolt and action markings match.
 
I did a whole lot of research and found out it was made at Fazakerley (nice job Pblatzz!), but I couldn't find the year because of the messy stamping job. Seems that the front sight, bolt, hammer, and receiver are a match for sure. I'm not so sure about the stock and I can find no markings on the trigger.
I am very impressed with trade ex so far, except for a few small things. I haven't yet brought the rifle in to be checked (doing that on Monday), and the cleaning kit that came with the strap does not fit my rifle. The pull through cord is too short and the weighted end doesn't even fit in the barrel. I'll email them on Monday too.
 
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