To shoot or not to shoot?

SMLE1927

SMLE1927

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Hi everyone

I recently acquired a No1 Mk3* which has a fantastic bore internally but unfortunately has some pretty exstensive pitting below the wood line. I've been pretty lucky with avoiding pitting on my enfields so I guess my luck had to change at some point! Just curious what everyone's thoughts are on shooting this one or not? I'd only be using off the shelf ammunition in this one...definitely no hand loads. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Hopefully I can get these bloody pictures to work..






https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4xa8jJProAsSEh2My1XQnFRWnc

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4xa8jJProAsOFY3NHd6X09YaGs

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4xa8jJProAsNU00cXF5M1NKbjQ

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4xa8jJProAscVVNdjFNNEEwN0U
 
SMLE: The pits don't look very bad to me. Regarding handloads, it's very easy to put together moderate intensity and very accurate loads for the .303. Commercial stuff is not low intensity- my favorite loads are a couple of hundred fps slower than commercial and I particularly like them for my older Lee Enfields.

milsurpo
 
My personal opinion;
They were made to shoot, depending on how rare / collectable it is, I think reduced power hand loads is the way to go.
If its really rare, reduced power and cast lead bullets and a bore should last 100,000 rounds or more.
 
That pitting is nothing more than cosmetic. It's nowhere deep enough to be a safety issue and I sincerely doubt it will change harmonics in any meaningful manner either.

SHOOT IT and enjoy.
 
I have a Parker Hale No1 they put together in 1952, the whole right side is quite rough with pits and other gouges, I'm surprised they let this one out the door, but it shoots quite well and the bore looks new.
Go ahead a shoot it, would be a shame not to.
33951_zpszadfljri.jpg
 
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I can handle the recoil of 30-06, but when I take my rifle to the range, I want to be able to shoot for longer periods and allow my son to shoot as well. 12-13 grains (about 3/4 of the case filled) is giving me ~1200-1300 fps. I've shot subsonic at around 9 or 10 grains. All with 150 grain cast boolits. Don't even need hearing protection with the reduced loads.
 
Dont want to highjack your tread SMLE1927 but if i may i would also like to know what guy's think about mine.
I just got this .410 Lee Enfield Musket and i stripped it down for a quick look.
Looks pretty bad to me and i have asked a couple of friends and they both agreed it might not be a shooter anymore.
I dont really mind not being able to shoot it... i'm more of a collector than a shooter and commercial .410 wont fit in it anyway.
But if i ever decide to sell down the line i would like to know if it's safe or not so i can tell the next owner. (not trying to sell at the moment and dont plan too)
Seem deep to my eyes and the barrel as already been bored from the inside for the .410 shells.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

pjblLAi.jpg
 
I really appreciate the feedback everyone. None of the pits are much deeper than most of the proof marks that have been struck so that makes me feel a little safer. Tatou I share your hesitation given the fact that your barrel has been bored internally as well, even though the .410 would have less pressure. I'd at least clean off all that active rust first just so you can see how deep it really is. Even if you don't decide to shoot it you still have a unique Enfield for the collection so I wouldn't be too upset!
 
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