Sporterized L-E bridge milled!?

[kg]

I was about to pull the CC on a second sporterized Lee Enfield, when I realized that an odd feeling was coming from the missing bridge over the locking lugs location. A little search showed that a bunch were modified that way.

Is this a reasonable weakening of the receiver?

 

[Craig0ry]

Wasn't a need for chargers for civilian ownership when the rifle already had a detachable magazine. When they were a dime a dozen lighter = better. As for the the one you skipped out, I would make sure it wasnt an EAL rifle before I wrote it off completely. They were manufactured without the bridge.

 

[B_noser]

Prior to the No. 1, Lee Enfields did not have a charger bridge.

 

[hobophobe]

Yip, I have an 1898 sporter (no bridge) proved for H.V. ammo. Hard on my brass though...rough chamber.

 

[hollowedpoint]

I have 2 of them that almost pass for eal’s, and they work just fine! Very sleek sporters that I love!

 

[kg]

Thanks guys!