Lee Enfield On-line Knowledge Libraries (Index of Articles)

1915 Musketry (.303 and .22 Cartridges)

With thanks to member Alan de Enfield, a new manual/precis has been added to the Technical Articles for Milsurp Collectors and Re-loaders (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php...esearch-for-milsurp-collectors-and-re-loaders.

1915 Musketry (.303 and .22 Cartridges) (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=414-1915-Musketry-(.303-and-.22-Cartridges)

Imperial Army Series - Based upon official manuals
Format: 322 pages with diagrams

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Regards,
Badger
 
With thanks to member tbonesmith, we have added a series of eleven old archived posts to ….

Index of Peter Laidler's series of formal Knowledge Library articles and selected archived posts ... (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=16948

Barrel Manufacture & Alignment
Breeching Up
Butt & Wood Fitting
Cartridge Headspace (CHS)
Cocking Bent & Sear - Parts 1-3
Fitting a Fore End Correctly
Fitting Rifle Bolts - CHS and Boltheads
FORESIGHTS and the No4 rifle
Safety Catch and Bolt Locking
Trigger Pull Off
No.5 Wandering Zero (The Facts)
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Also, Ian Skennerton indicated he's preparing to add some additional interesting content to post on our shared project ...

Regards,
Badger
 
Lithgow No.6 Mk1 and Mk1/1 Rifles (Mfg by SAF Lithgow) "Experimental"

With thanks to Advisory Panel member Son and member Lithy, an interesting new article with a 66 pic photo montage has been added to the Australia - Milsurp Knowledge Library (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=115-australia.

Lithgow No.6 Mk1 and Mk1/1 Rifles (Mfg by SAF Lithgow) "Experimental" (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=416-Lithgow-No6-Mk1-and-Mk1-1-Rifles

Members may add direct feedback and comments to the bottom of the article itself, which is a new feature recently added of the MKL.

Article Extract .....

Development of a shorter service rifle better suited to battle conditions in the jungles of SE Asia had been a consideration since early 1943. The initial direction was toward a full stocked model resulting in two lengths of prototype rifles, one of which finally seeing 100 examples made for trials. These were the Shortened Lightened (Intermediate) rifles, serialed XP1 to XP 100…… (continued)

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The MKL also contains an excellent example of the 1944 No.1 Intermediate Shortened & Lightened Rifle Serial # XP53 (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php...hortened-Lightened-Rifle-(Mfg-by-SAF-Lithgow) referred to in this new article.

Regards,
Doug
 
Lithgow SAF Museum Tour

With thanks to Advisory Panel member Son, an interesting new article with a 57 pic photo montage has been added to the Australia - Milsurp Knowledge Library (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=115-australia.

Lithgow SAF Museum Tour (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=417-Lithgow-SAF-Museum-Tour

Son welcomes any feedback and registered members may add direct feedback and comments to the bottom of the article itself, which is a new feature recently added of the MKL.

Article Extract .....

The Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum is a stand alone operation totally reliant on the volunteers for their time and expertise. Many of these gentlemen are retired former employees of the factory, and as such hold a great wealth of knowledge that they are willing to share with visitors. The setting up of a research area with access to displays and documents held at the Museum is on the agenda. There is a comprehensive range of reference books for sale, including what looks to be all the available works by Ian Skennerton, Ron Hayes’ Handgun Omnibus, as well as other detailed publications on the factory and the production of Lee Enfield rifles in general. They also sell a range of souvenirs too.…… (continued)

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Regards,
Doug
 
1916/1945 No.1 MkIII* H.T. Sniper Rifle (Medium Bracket)

With thanks to Advisory Panel members Lance, Son, Jollygreenslugg, Brian #### and member ~Angel~ for pics of her rifle, an interesting new article with a 165 pic photo montage has been added to the Australia - Milsurp Knowledge Library (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=115-australia.

1916/1945 No.1 MkIII* H.T. Sniper Rifle (Medium Bracket) (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=418-1916-1945-No.1-MkIII*-H.T.-Sniper-Rifle-(Medium-Bracket)
Date to Stores was March 15th, 1945 (See page 562 of "The Lee Enfield" book by Skennerton)

Registered members may add direct feedback and comments to the bottom of the article itself, which is a new feature recently added of the MKL.

Article Extract .....

This model was introduced into Australian service towards the end of WW2 with a variety of options; medium or short scope brackets and short medium or long butts. In 1946, a coachwood cheekrest was introduced for fitting to Rifles No.1 MkIII* and No.3 MkI*(T). These were to be fitted to all rifles, by A.E.M.E. personnel, and adjusted to suit the individual user. Rifle Club style sling swivels mounted onto the front trigger guard screw with attached swivel were also introduced for fitting where required. The distance between the medium and short (often referred to as high and low) mounts is about 1/2 inch and the short bracket model has a scoop removed from the rear handguard to permit dismounting the scope assembly.…… (continued)

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The MKL (Milsurp Knowledge Library) also contains a 224 pic photo montage of an excellent example of a sister No.1 MkIII* H.T. Sniper Rifle (Short Bracket), to compare with No.1 MkIII* H.T. Sniper Rifle (Medium Bracket) displayed here in this MKL entry.

Australian No.1 MkIII* H.T. Sniper Rifle (Short Bracket) (click here)
Date to Stores was Sept 19th, 1945 (See page 565 of "The Lee Enfield" book by Skennerton)

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Regards,
Doug
 
Hatcher's Notebook
Author: Julian S. Hatcher
Publisher: The Military Publishing Service Company (1947)
ISBN: 978-0-8117-0350-5 (Hard Cover Edition)
Format: 636 pages including plates (Electronic Version)

Starting with the '03 Springfield and '17 Enfield, this authoritative guide describes the development of automatic and semi-automatic weapons, explaining how they work, barrels and experiments with obstructions, strengths and weaknesses of military rifles, receiver steels and heat treatment, headspace, recoil problems, gunpowder, corrosion, triggers, and the Pederson Device. It also covers noted gun makers, tips to match ammunition, interior and exterior ballistics, velocity variation, measuring methods, weights, overloads, and ranges. Invaluable information for shooters, gunsmiths, collectors, ballisticians, and hunters.

Hatcher's Notebook Knowledge Library Entry (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=26926

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Note: Low quality pics shown below are for illustrative purposes only and the quality of the images and text within the content of the PDF file download are much greater.
 
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Experimental 7.62mm No.5 Jungle Carbine bearing the designation "XIIE1"

Interesting thread with pics, plus additional comment and analysis from Ian Skennerton and Peter Laidler.

Experimental 7.62mm No.5 Jungle Carbine bearing the designation "XIIE1"http://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=27320

Anyone have a copy of the German book Im Dienste Ihrer Majestät by Bernd Rolff that presents research information on this rare collectors piece, or other information that would indicate Long Branch built a similar experimental rifle?

Regards,
Doug
 
SMLE No1 MkV Restoration

In case some of you guys haven't seen it, there's an outstanding article in the form of a "stickied thread" located in Restorer's Corner Forum (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/forumdisplay.php?f=96.

It's an on-going thread with a detailed description including excellent pics of a complete restoration of a previously sporotortized SMLE No1 MkV, started last June 2010 by member bigduke6. Geoff has done an awesome job with this old girl and for any of you thinking about performing any restorations or rebuilds yourselves, it would make for a really interesting read to follow along through to its completion.

SMLE No1 MkV Restoration (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=22049

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Thanks for sharing the journey and the process with us Geoff… well done … :cheers:

Regards,
Doug
 
COMPASS, PRISMATIC, Mk3 (by Peter Laidler)

With thanks to Advisory Panel member Peter Laidler, a new article has been added to the Technical Articles for Milsurp Collectors and Re-loaders (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php...esearch-for-milsurp-collectors-and-re-loaders.

COMPASS, PRISMATIC, Mk3 (by Peter Laidler) (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=425-COMPASS-PRISMATIC-Mk3-(by-Peter-Laidler)

Article Extract .....

There has been a bit of interest on this forum about these prismatic compasses and the variations that have emerged since they were introduced in……….., well, whenever it was, they seem to have been around since, well, forever! Certainly since my time in the Army, first learning to read a map and compass as a Cadet at school in the early 60’s. They’re of some significance to the Lee Enfield story because the compass was a supplementary issue alongside the equally important binoculars and wris####ch for the snipers. While they’ve all changed slightly, they’re still very similar …... article continues in link shown above .....

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Peter has added a personal request in regards to this article.

Note: If you have any questions or don’t understand something or my instructions are ambiguous then please ask on the forum and NOT by PM (Private Message). That way everyone will get the benefit of the question and answer.

Regards,
Doug
 
.455 Webley Overview

Although not specifically about Enfields and with thanks to Advisory Panel member Lance, there's a new "sticky" thread been posted in the in the Other Military Service Pistols (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/forumdisplay.php?f=135 forum. Essentially, it's a nicely done pictorial overview of the Webley .455 revolver from Mk I to Mk VI highlighting the major differences between each mark. I thought it might be of interest to some of you here.

.455 Webley Overview (click here) .....http://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=27882

Regards,
Doug
 
No42 and No53 sights …. Have you ever thought? (by Peter Laidler)

With thanks to Advisory Panel member Peter Laidler, a new article has been added to the Technical Articles for Milsurp Collectors and Re-loaders (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php...esearch-for-milsurp-collectors-and-re-loaders.

No42 and No53 sights …. Have you ever thought? (by Peter Laidler) (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php...s-….-Have-you-ever-thought-(by-Peter-Laidler)

Article Extract .....

Like me, you’ve probably thought quietly to yourself and asked many times this question. "If the No42 and 53 sights are optically identical and mechanically similar, then why can’t I use one as the basis for making myself a No32 telescope"?

They’re certainly MUCH cheaper (although creeping up in price I admit………, but they’re certainly not the £5-600 or so price of a good No32 yet. Indeed, I’ve stripped a few for their optical spare parts value. Here are some of my thoughts. I’m not an expert in these things by any stretch of the imagination and accept that there are plenty out there who know more than me. I soon learned that the first person who reads what you’ve written IMMEDIATELY knows more than you do. That’s because he knows all that you’ve written plus the bit he knew before. Anyway, head above the mantlet and here goes …... article continues in link shown above .....

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Peter has added a personal request in regards to this article.

Note: If you have any questions or don’t understand something or my instructions are ambiguous then please ask on the forum and NOT by PM (Private Message). That way everyone will get the benefit of the question and answer.

Regards,
Doug
 
With thanks to member Rajeee, Advisory Panel members Clive "servicepub" Law and Lee Enfield, plus a lot of other members who wished to remain anonymous, we have added a new article to the Canada - Milsurp Knowledge Library (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=117-canada, along with an excellent additional 197 pic photo montage.

1944 Enfield No.4 Mk1*(T) Long Branch TP Sniper Rifle Serial # 74L0318http://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=430-1944-Enfield-No.4-Mk1*(T)-Long-Branch-TP-Sniper-Rifle
(Mfg by Long Branch Arsenal, Leaside, Ontario, Canada)
c/w matching Telescopic, Sighting C No.32, Mk.I(TP) (Trade Pattern) Scope Serial # 4392S (Mfg by Lyman-Alaskan)

Article Extract .....

The Lyman Alaskan sight was introduced into Canadian service as an interim measure. Contrary to other reports it has been established that 350 of these were purchased and provided with mounts manufactured by SAL (Small Arms Limited). ...... In May, 1943 SAL shipped two No.4 rifles to Colonel McAvity of National Defence Headquarters was the head of the Directorate of Vehicles and Arms (DVA). These were No.4 Mk.I models and one, serial number 32L3126, was equipped with a Lyman Alaskan scope while the second, s/n 32L4243, sported a Weaver 330 telescope. …. (article continues)

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Regards,
Doug
 
With thanks to Advisory Panel member Peter Laidler, a new article has been added to the Technical Articles for Milsurp Collectors and Re-loaders (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php...esearch-for-milsurp-collectors-and-re-loaders.

What the hell are EMER’s ? (by Peter Laidler) (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=2964

Article Extract .....

A good question in relation to Small Arms that was asked on one of the forums recently. I expect that it’s been asked by hundreds of others too. Well, if you’ve ever heard of ‘the Bible’ then EMER’s are to the REME what the Bible is to the rest of the world. And I can tell you this, that in the REME, especially as a young Armourer, Gun Fitter, Vehicle Mechanic or Instrument Technician apprentice at Carlisle, EMER’s were even MORE important than the Bible. In short, EMER is ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING REGULATIONS. If you’re Australian and reading this, we called them EMEI’s. The I indicating INSTRUCTIONS... ………. article continues in link shown above .....

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Peter has added a personal request in regards to this article.

Note: If you have any questions or don’t understand something or my instructions are ambiguous then please ask on the forum and NOT by PM (Private Message). That way everyone will get the benefit of the question and answer.

Regards,
Doug
 
With thanks to Advisory Panel members Clive "servicepub" Law and Claven2, we have added a new article to the Canada - Milsurp Knowledge Library (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=117-canada, along with an excellent additional 175 pic photo montage.

1943-44 Enfield No.4 Mk1* Experimental Long Branch "Scout" Sniper Rifle Serial # ASC-43-3 (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php...*-Experimental-Long-Branch-Scout-Sniper-Rifle
(Mfg by Long Branch Arsenal, Leaside, Ontario, Canada)
c/w No.32 Mk.4 (C No.67 Mk1) Scope Serial #57-C
C.G.B. 91 CGA Mfg by R.E.L (Research Enterprises Ltd.)

Article Extract .....

....... As REL experimented with different mounts and different sights, SAL (Small Arms Limited), at the behest of the Army, undertook to develop several new weapons during the war, one of which was an improved sniper rifle. The project was instigated by the War Office, in 1943, who felt that several weapons could benefit from new designs. These were identified as; a light rifle, a sniper rifle, a self loading rifle, a machine carbine and a light automatic rifle. When asked which of these projects Canada would wish to undertake the army replied that Canadian competence was in the light rifle, sniper rifle and machine carbine. Co-incidentally these were the style of firearms manufactured in the Crown-owned Small Arms Limited, and no mention was made of expertise developed by the John Inglis Company in the manufacture of light machine guns, pistols and anti-tank rifles. …. (article continues)

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Regards,
Doug
 
A lot of people who collect old milsurps, also collect various types of military. After many requests from members, we've added a Vintage Military Gear (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/forumdisplay.php?f=148 forum.

It's a specific for for general discussion by collectors of combat gear such as helmets, hats, uniforms, boots, patches, canteens, web gear, grenades, etc.

It's moderated by Harlan and details of how to use it may be found HEREhttp://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=31941

Regards,
Doug
 
With thanks to member Graeme "broadarrow303" Barber, a new article has been added to the United Kingdom - Milsurps Knowledge Library (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=120-united-kingdom.

From No4 Mk I (T) to L42 AI - Part 1 (by Graeme "broadarrow303" Barber) (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php...42-AI-Part-1-(by-Graeme-broadarrow303-Barber)

Article Extract .....

This two part article describes how two No4 MkI Rifles manufactured at Birmingham Small Arms factory in 1944 were selected then converted into sniper rifles. Part 1 describes the journey for .303 rifle No4 Mk1 (T) # R33857 while Part 2 describes the journey for 7.62 x 51 rifle L42 A1 #K34325. (article continues) .....

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Regards,
Doug
 
With thanks to Advisory Panel member Peter Laidler, a new article has been added to the Technical Articles for Milsurp Collectors and Re-loaders (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php...esearch-for-milsurp-collectors-and-re-loaders.

7.62mm factory magazines - The L8 and L42 connection (by Peter Laidler) (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php...-The-L8-and-L42-connection-(by-Peter-Laidler)

Article Extract .....

Someone asked a good question some weeks ago about these magazines and of the feed problems that you can encounter, even with a machined body as on the L42’s. I was going to say L8’s too but………… Let’s start with the L8’s shall we? …... article continues in link shown above .....

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Peter has added a personal request in regards to this article.

Note: If you have any questions or don’t understand something or my instructions are ambiguous then please ask on the forum and NOT by PM (Private Message). That way everyone will get the benefit of the question and answer.

Regards,
Doug
 
With thanks to several members for helping us locate it, a new first edition "out of print" book has been added to the Technical Articles for Milsurp Collectors and Re-loaders (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php...esearch-for-milsurp-collectors-and-re-loaders

A Rifleman Went To War (by Herbert W. McBride) (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=440-A-Rifleman-Went-To-War-(by-Herbert-W.-McBride)

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With original thanks to Light Infantry for helping us locate it back in 2008, there's an excellent companion book to this one, also written by Herbert W. McBride. gain, please refer to the Articles & Books Sectionhttp://www.milsurps.com/list.php?r=category/49-Articles/Books-(All) of the Knowledge Library:

THE EMMA GEES By HERBERT W. McBRIDE (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=328-THE-EMMA-GEES-By-HERBERT-W.-McBRIDE

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tiriaq mentioned in another thread "In his books, he recounts his experiences serving in a MG unit - Colt/Browning "potato diggers" and sniping with a Mk.III Ross with Warner & Swazey sight (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=413-1915-M10-Ross-MkIII*-Sniper-Rifle. His sniping accounts are very matter of fact, and quite chilling."

Regards,
Doug
 
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