Wire wrapped Lithgow SMLE

[collector67]

Hi all
I was rearranging my gun lockers this weekend, and I remembered this beauty that I picked up at a gunshow a few years back. A 1942 Lithgow #1 MK3* that was altered (wire wrap and Parkerizing) in 1943 for use as a grenade launcher. From what I have seen on the net, these "wire wraps" have a poor rating amongst collectors, because supposedly only rifles with poor bores were used for this purpose. However, the pipe on this one is in VG condition, and while it shoots to the right, the groupings are dime-sized. I paid $265 for it, I still think I basically stole her!

 

[lister]

Nice! I've never seen one of those before.

 

[bearhunter]

From what I can remember, the wire wrapped rifles had to be able to shoot to the same standard as any other issue rifle.

 

[albayo]

I got one years ago. A friend of mine called me up one night all ticked off. He said Century sent him an old Sh*t Lee-Enfield with wire wrapped around the stock and he didn't order it. I asked him if he wanted to sell it and he sold it for his cost.

 

[plinker 777]

Kinda purdy I think. I've also "heard" these rifles were essentially shot out and then utilized for grenades only (blank rounds)...err, the propellant not the grenade

 

[chanman]

Is the wire wrapped directly on to the wood? What's the silvery metal next to the copper wire?

 

[36 hamon]

silver stuff is lead solder

 

[BadgerDog]

Hi all
I was rearranging my gun lockers this weekend, and I remembered this beauty that I picked up at a gunshow a few years back.

Get yourself some blanks with a discharger cup to go with it.

If you want to have some fun with the cup dischargers, here's a great "fun" video in The Screening Room (click here) section of the Milsurp Knowledge Libraryhttp://milsurps.com.

(Click PIC to Enlarge)

(Click PIC to Enlarge)

It's a range video of members engaged in The Great Canadian Tennis Ball Challenge competitive match at Milcun, using WW1 Enfield Wire Wrapped Grenade Rifles and Dischargers (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=1129.

Make sure you turn ON your speakers and turn the volume up to hear the sound effects !


There's also another Knowledge Library entry on WW1 Enfield Wire Wrapped Grenade Rifles and Dischargers (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=105, showing close up pics as well as instructions on how to use them.

Hope this helps ...

Regards,
Doug

 

[Grizzly Adams]

From what I can remember, the wire wrapped rifles had to be able to shoot to the same standard as any other issue rifle.

Lot more stress on a rifle, launching grenades, the reason for the wire wrap. One reason not to fire from the shoulder.

Grizz

 

[collector67]

Get yourself some blanks with a discharger cup to go with it.

If you want to have some fun with the cup dischargers, here's a great "fun" video in The Screening Room (click here) section of the Milsurp Knowledge Libraryhttp://milsurps.com.

(Click PIC to Enlarge)

(Click PIC to Enlarge)

It's a range video of members engaged in The Great Canadian Tennis Ball Challenge competitive match at Milcun, using WW1 Enfield Wire Wrapped Grenade Rifles and Dischargers (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=1129.

Make sure you turn ON your speakers and turn the volume up to hear the sound effects !


There's also another Knowledge Library entry on WW1 Enfield Wire Wrapped Grenade Rifles and Dischargers (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=105, showing close up pics as well as instructions on how to use them.

Hope this helps ...

Regards,
Doug

Thanks for the info, Doug
I'd love to get one of those Mills grenade launchers, the last time I saw one on the EE, the guy wanted $275 for it... I bet you'd get some attention at the range doing that!!

 

[plinker 777]

question about the grenade/bomb. I see a fuse pull ring so...was this thing time delayed, impact/contact detonation or did it have a spoon that couldn't disengage due to the cup?

 

[AdrianM]

Lot more stress on a rifle, launching grenades, the reason for the wire wrap. One reason not to fire from the shoulder.

Grizz

My grandfather and father always wrapped their axe handles this way right up under the head. It made for a stronger, longer lasting axe handle.

I've seen one rifle like this in person. Owned by a fellow CGN'er. I would have thought they would be more like a sniper; that the value of them should higher than the average rifle because of the cool factor and that they must be somewhat rare.

Very nice example OP. Very clean...not even tarnish on the wire.

 

[Grizzly Adams]

question about the grenade/bomb. I see a fuse pull ring so...was this thing time delayed, impact/contact detonation or did it have a spoon that couldn't disengage due to the cup?

Grenade is put in cup after a gas check disk is threaded into the bottom, pin is removed but the size of the cup prevents the handle coming out, till fired. Some versions had an adjustable vent to determine the range and special longer time fuses were made as well.

Grizz

 

[can14]

Crown Surplus had quite a few of these rifles in the early 1970's for sale.