Note on .410 Lee Enfields

[kjohn]

Most people who own the original version of the Lee Enfield ".410" already might know this. The one done up in India won't chamber .410 modern hull, nor will they chamber new style brass .410 hulls. They will chamber blown out .303 British brass.

I post this for anyone who has an original Ishapore .410 conversion Lee Enfield, thinking they might like to shoot the gun.

 

[m777]

Are they stamped any different? I can say I've ever looked close at mine,...or shot it.

Clint

 

[kjohn]

Are they stamped any different? I can say I've ever looked close at mine,...or shot it.

Clint

You would only need to see if a regular .410 shell would chamber to see which you have. I recall reading that some of the old No.1 Mk3's were also converted to .410 of some sort in Australia and England. I can't say what length cartridge any other conversions will or won't accept.

The original Ishapore conversions were chambered to accept straight walled cartridges. Back in the day, when .303 was loaded with cordite, which is string-like propellant, into straight walled brass, then formed into .303 cartridge shape, bullet seated, then crimped. The Indian/Ishapore .410 used the straight wall brass.

I can't tell you if there was any special marking on the metal, but both of mine, the original version and the re-chambered 3" .410 one, have a large .410 stamped on the stock. The bores, at the muzzle, on both of mine measure .409 or a tad bigger. The difference lies in the chamber dimensions.

 

[tiriaq]

Many .410 musket guns were reamed for commercial .410 to make them more saleable. If done in the UK, they will be appropriately proof marked. Done this side of the Atlantic, there probably won't be any particular marks.

 

[kjohn]

Many .410 musket guns were reamed for commercial .410 to make them more saleable. If done in the UK, they will be appropriately proof marked. Done this side of the Atlantic, there probably won't be any particular marks.

Well said, sir.