Got my first Lee-Enfield today...

[rdelliott]

1942 Long Branch, with 5 groove rifling in excellent condition mechanically, and with nice wood. Bluing is a bit worn, especially on the nosecap and magazine, but other than that...

It reeks of history. I'm thrilled and can't wait to get it out to the range.

 

[myenfield]

Do the serial numbers on the back of the bolt handle and forend match the rifle's serial number? If not, are they long branch numbers (with an L in the 2nd or 3rd position)?

 

[rdelliott]

Do the serial numbers on the back of the bolt handle and forend match the rifle's serial number? If not, are they long branch numbers (with an L in the 2nd or 3rd position)?

Matching numbers, with second digit being "L" .

 

[millwright]

So what took you so long?

 

[300Spartans]

I was about to ask the same!

 

[rdelliott]

So what took you so long?

What... the 30 years since I first got my mitts on one in Cadets? Not sure. What could I have been thinking?

 

[millwright]

First rifle I got 34 years ago when I was in cadets. Still have it.

 

[gaff]

very nice , now you need more, they tend to get lonley by themselves...

 

[bobfortier]

I'm pretty sure when you got it you tried the drill movement with the Lee in your living room ? Thighten the sling to hear a good "slap" during the "Present Arm" ?? LOLL

I did just that with mine when I got it. I was in the Sea Cadet all my youth.

 

[myenfield]

Would you mind posting the serial number, or at least the first few numbers? It is a little odd to see the early stocks and bolt handle on a 1942 rifle, and I would love to see where it falls in relation to some '41s and other early '42s.

 

[Garand]

So what took you so long?

What he said........................

 

[John Sukey]

I'm pretty sure when you got it you tried the drill movement with the Lee in your living room ? Thighten the sling to hear a good "slap" during the "Present Arm" ?? LOLL

I did just that with mine when I got it. I was in the Sea Cadet all my youth.

Just make sure your living room ceiling is high enough when you go to the present, especially with the bayonet fixed.

 

[Don_Dragon]

Ah naval cadets, that brings me back. Good find! I am so getting my own Enfield when my PAL arrives, but this time, not converted to .22

And yes, I too will dust off the old rifle drill

 

[rangebob]

Bayonet, Sling,
totally cool.

Will this be
a) a safe queen (history lessons)
b) occasional shooter (just to make sure it works)
c) hunter
d) mad minute

 

[shredder]

Just make sure your living room ceiling is high enough when you go to the present, especially with the bayonet fixed.

Speaking from experience, are we???

 

[rdelliott]

Bayonet, Sling,
totally cool.

Will this be
a) a safe queen (history lessons)
b) occasional shooter (just to make sure it works)
c) hunter
d) mad minute

That'd be b through d. It's not pristine enough to be a safe queen, I do plan on shooting it, and the words "mad minute" make me feel all warm and fuzzy. Time to find some stripper clips...

 

[Steamwhistle]

I found a bandolier and stripper clips on ebay for a great price. I also have a '42 Longbranch and love em!