Question about my Enfield 1917 SMLE III*--PICTURES ADDED

[David K]

... If your looking at having a "shooter' more than a complete Collector, at least try shooting it before replacing the Nose Cap. It's possible, given ties to Australia that it could have had the Heavy Barrel installed, at some time in it's History ( Also Aussie Target Shooters, used turned down Vickers barrels as well. Innovative lot those Aussies ! ) ..... The "furniture is fairly easily replaced, and little creative staining will allow a good match for color. .......... David K

 

[5THBATT]

Re Heavy barrels, the muzzle end of the H barrel is the same as a standard barrel, they were turned down to accept the standard barrel front sight block and so use a standard nosecap.

 

[Nabs]

Interesting, would you have pictures of this ?

 

[5THBATT]

Standard barrel on the left, Heavy on the right.

The nosecap on my Lithgow No1 MkIIIH

 

[Alfonso]

Picture of nose cap

Here is the only stamping that I can find still intact on the nose cap. I think it states BA.

 

[Alfonso]

Re Heavy barrels, the muzzle end of the H barrel is the same as a standard barrel, they were turned down to accept the standard barrel front sight block and so use a standard nosecap.

So why do you think my nose cap has been drilled out then? This is becoming more of a mystery.

 

[smellie]

All I can think of (now that my pet Heavy Barrel theory has been exploded by the pure light of FACT.... where I was operating on supposition) is that someone adapted a Vickers barrel to an SMLE, modded the nosecap and later used it on your rifle.

Not to worry, friend. Nose-caps ARE available and they are not all that expensive.

Good luck.