info on lee enfield .303???

[ROBPECKFORD]

hey guys, a newb here looking for info on my old .303....if possible

unfortuneately i dont have the riflr in front of me, its as the cottage, and when im up htere i have no internet, so... i cant recall all the markings on the rifle, there are dozens, however it was made in 1910 according to the man. date by the trigger guard.... so i believe its a no1 what mk would it be? any insight on this would be appreciated as i am lost about what it is..... and would like to buy another mag for it... if possible....


thanks guys

 

[Barry F]

Most likely a No1 markIII, it is the most common of that era..

 

[smellie]

Your rifle will be Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mark III if it is a 1910.

The Mark III was changed to the Mark III* (prononced 'mark three star') in 1915/16, when they left off the long-range sights on the left side of the rifle, then left off the magazine cutoff on the right side and changed the cocking-piece to a flat-sided one from the early round-backed type.

The rifles were renamed "Number 1, Mark III" and "Number 1, Mark III*" in 1926/7.

Every marking on the rifle means something and British rifles were better-marked than most. When you get to her, you'll have to take a whole bunch of close-up photos for the rest of us to decipher and drool over. For one, I would really like to see the main markings on the butt socket (under the bolt-handle). King Edward VII died that year and George V became the new King; I would like to see which King your rifle is marked to.

A lot of these were sold off after both World Wars. On the other hand, a fairly large number were also stolen from the Army and brought home. I ran into a few like that around the Bay when I was in Newfoundland, more out here on the flatlands. They each have their own history marked on them and they are still the toughest rifle ever made, bar none.

Don't worry all that much about another magazine. There are lots around and they aren't expensive, but also they don't hold the shells too securely when the mag is off the rifle. For REALLY quick loading you want CHARGERS, which are only a buck apiece or cheaper. They are MUCH faster than a mag change.

Welcome to the club.... and welcome aboard, friend! It's gonna be a fun ride!
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