The LeeSpeed Sporter was a higher quality British made version of the LeeEnfield. 32 telescope progressed through three marks with the Mk. [41], During the course of the Second World War, the No. [citation needed]. For example, BSA Shirley is denoted by M47C, ROF(M) is often simply stamped 'M', and BSA is simply stamped 'B'. Thailand: (the contract was concluded on 10 December 1920 when the king received shipment of 10,000 rifles.). During World War I alone, more than 2,000,000 SMLEs were made at the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield Lock, Middlesex (Reynolds 1960: 180). Long before the No. 4 MK. 7 and No. I and converted to sniper equipment by Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield early in 1942. It was unsuitable for general issue and production ceased in 1947, due to an 'inherent fault in the design', often claimed to be a 'wandering zero' and accuracy problems.[47]. 4 Mk IV. 4 Mark I and featured a rear receiver aperture battle sight calibrated for 300 yd (274 m) with an additional ladder aperture sight that could be flipped up and was calibrated for 200800 yd (183732 m) in 100 yd (91 m) increments. [40] Towards the end of the Second World War, a bladed bayonet was developed, originally intended for use with the Sten gunbut sharing the same mount as the No. I have a No.1 Mk III British SMLE.303 I already ordered a book/manual on the rifle that shows how to tell certain details by the markings but i would like to look up my specific rifle by serial number. Please record original details from right side of butt socket (left side for carbines) below the royal cypher (crown, V.R. Lee Enfield Rifle Serial Number Lookup 1/26/2021 0 Comments Thus they ar usually very obviousIy stamped on th appropriate pressure-baring parts where thy can easily b seen.There are number of mthods by which rifle can b dated, or t least bracketed btween certain years f manufacture. RFI stands for 'Rifle Factory, Ishapore', denoting a rifle made after the Partition of India in 1947. [62][63] No. I (T) sniper rifles in 19411942 at RSAF Enfield. MAGAZINE LEE RIFLES & CARBINES Lee-Metford Lee-Enfield Note: Charger loaders and conversions are family. [84] The appearance of the L8 series rifles were no different from the original No. About 3,000 rifles, mostly Stevens-Savage, appear to have been partially converted by Holland & Holland but never received brackets, scopes of the final 'T' mark. [43], In the years after the Second World War, the British produced the No. For the No. In the stowed position, a fixed distance aperture battle sight calibrated for 300 yd (274 m) protruded saving further precious seconds when laying the sight to a target. The 2A/2A1 rifles are not conversions of .303 calibre SMLE Mk III* rifles. De ransel op de rug deel 2. Initial production was 1,403 conversions of 19311933 troop trials No. Several First World War accounts tell of British troops repelling German attackers who subsequently reported that they had encountered machine guns, when in fact it was simply a group of well-trained riflemen armed with SMLE Mk III rifles. 4 Mk. Ive just purchased a 1942 stamped Lee Enfield rifle which has a number 93L8939. The current world record for aimed bolt-action fire was set in 1914 by a musketry instructor in the British ArmySergeant Instructor Snoxallwho placed 38 rounds into a 12-inch-wide (300 mm) target at 300 yards (270 m) in one minute. The Howell Automatic Rifle was the first attempt to convert the LeeEnfield SMLE into a semi-automatic rifle. III* (HT). It was then decided that the limit of the effective range was a more realistic proposition at 800 m. The Ishapore 2A and 2A1 rifles are often incorrectly described as '.308 conversions'. A further likely consideration was the difficulty of obtaining replacement ammunition in the event of the rifle's theft or the carrier's desertion. The LeeEnfield family of rifles is the second oldest bolt-action rifle design still in official service, after the MosinNagant. THE SAVAGE MADE NO4MKI* ENFIELD. A very collectable rifle indeed, but by no means rare. James Purdey and Sons fitted special buttstocks later in the war. [21] Some of the MLEs (and MLMs) were converted to load from chargers, and designated Charger Loading LeeEnfields, or CLLEs. An alternative developed during this period was to be used on the No. Hey guys I bought this 1917 B.S.A CO Lee Enfield Smle a couple of days ago I'm just curious on the nose cap serial number the letter is a J but the numbers match the other parts that are matching have a D. Here are some pictures. Truth be known about Enfield serial numbers is simply, the serial number was used more for production counting than any other reason. The Rieder device could be installed straight away without the use of tools. 3. Rack number?, club inventory number? Apr 13, 2010 I have and Enfield.303 No.5 MK1 'Jungle Carbine' serial T5xx that I have been unable to find any production dates for. 32 3.5 telescopic sight. Enfield Trials Rifle . Very early production low serial number. The L59A1 arose from British government concerns over the vulnerability of Army Cadet Force and school Combined Cadet Forces' (CCF) stocks of small arms to theft by terrorists, in particular the Irish Republican Army following raids on CCF armouries in the 1950s and 1960s. 32 and its bracket (mount) were matched and serial numbered to a specific rifle.[54]. Two crossed swords pointing down with the letters M and O on either side. The Lee-Enfield No. 4 rifles to 7.6251mm NATO as part of a programme to retain the LeeEnfield as a reserve weapon. 4 Mk I and No. 4 Mk I* rifles that were brought up to Mk 2 standard were re-designated No. Work on a long-range replacement cartridge began in 1910 and resulted in the .276 Enfield in 1912. Brabantia Nostra. The carbine subsequently was down graded to. Remember, geographical location affects values, as well. 1944present (produced 19441947) BSA-Shirley produced 81,329 rifles and ROF Fazakerley 169,807 rifles. The floating barrel increased the accuracy of the rifle by allowing it to vibrate freely and consistently, whereas wooden forends in contact with barrels, if not properly fitted, affected the harmonic vibrations of the barrel. [25][27][28][29] The windage adjustment of the rear sight was also dispensed with, and the cocking piece was changed from a round knob to a serrated slab. p. 372. [72] The restrictions placed on 'military calibre' rifles in New South Wales were lifted in 1975, and many people who had converted their LeeEnfields to the 'wildcat' rounds converted their rifles back to .303 British. [67], The C No.7 22' MK.I rifle is a .22 single shot, manually fed, training version of the No.4 Mk I* rifle manufactured at Long Branch. [97] Magazine supply/importation (M14 and AK 10 single stack mag) whilst legal in Australia, it has been spasmodically curtailed by Australian Federal Customs (for more information, see Gun politics in Australia). The Howard Francis Self-Loading Carbine was a conversion of a No. A specific chapter in the new 'Lee-Enfield Rifles' update of the 1992 'Lee-Enfield Story' is devoted to Serial Numbers. [22], A shorter and lighter version of the original MLEthe famous Rifle, Short, Magazine, LeeEnfield, or SMLE (sometimes spoken as 'Smelly', rather than S, M, L, E)[14]was introduced on 1 January 1904. The original bolt would be proofed to 18 ton's per square inch of pressure. The No. 4 Mk I was officially adopted in 1941. Both Savage and Long Branch started off by making No4 Mk1 rifles (with bolt catch) before moving production to the slightly simplified 1* version. Greece: Used by Hellenic armed forces during World War II and post-World War II period. The products were marketed under alliterative names e.g. Unmodified muskets require handloading of ammunition, as the .410 Indian Musket cartridge was not commercially distributed and does not appear to have been manufactured since the 1950s. No5 rifles (Jungle Carbines) serial numbers consisted of a sequential 4 digit number starting with 0001 running through to 9999, the numbers were preceded by a letter prefix. The Short, Magazine Lee-Enfield, (SMLE) Background. He sent me the serial number but I can't make heads or tails of it. But here is the thing, that number on that No 4 is stamped in an area where some manufacturers stamped the year it was made. United States: Used by units of the American Expeditionary Force attached to British and Australian units during the First World War. "55" is for 1955. The shorter length was controversial at the time: many Rifle Association members and gunsmiths were concerned that the shorter barrel would not be as accurate as the longer MLE barrels, that the recoil would be much greater, and the sighting radius would be too short. I (T). Serial numbers are found on the inside right, front of the body while.303 conversion numbers used the left side. As a standard-issue infantry rifle, it is still found in service in the armed forces of some Commonwealth nations,[13] notably with the Bangladesh Police, which makes it the second longest-serving military bolt-action rifle still in official service, after the MosinNagant. Originally, the concept of a detachable magazine was opposed in some British Army circles, as some feared that the private soldier might be likely to lose the magazine during field campaigns. The results of the trials that were conducted on the L8 series rifles were mixed and the British Government and the Ministry of Defence decided not to convert their existing stocks of LeeEnfield No. The Rieder Automatic Rifle was an automatic (full automatic only) LeeEnfield SMLE rifle of South African origin. [75][76] During the Second World War, the majority of New Zealand's land forces were deployed in North Africa. with lettered prefixes. 5 was shorter and 2 lb (0.9 kg) lighter. When I got home and took it out of the case here is what I've now got. Volley Sights Arabic butt disc marked ( Ottoman Empire captured) This has come out of the 'Hans Gnter Collection' 890.00. Again Big B, you have a very collectable and sought after rifle and in pristine condition would fetch a handsome sum of money. Thanks form being patient with me, the enfield rookie I am! 4 MK. The No. The wristguard markings on a 1918-dated Short Magazine LeeEnfield Mk III* rifle manufactured by the London Small Arms Co. Ltd. The Ekins Automatic Rifle was one of the numerous attempts to convert a LeeEnfield SMLE to an automatic rifle. Each No. This is one reason the bolt closure feels smooth. Returned to Britain in 1952 in exchange for P-17 rifles. Where are the serial numbers on a Lee Enfield? [96] AIA also offered the AIA M10-A1 rifle, a Jungle Carbine-styled version chambered in 7.6239mm Russian, which uses AK-47 magazines. While British and Australian conversions were to the standard commercially available .410 shotgun cartridge (though of varying chamber lengths) the Indian conversions have been the source of considerable confusion. 950.00 . 1 Mk. 5 Mk I was popular with soldiers owing to its light weight, portability and shorter length than a standard LeeEnfield rifle. Charlie Wilson's War: The Extraordinary Story of the Largest Covert Operation in History, George Crile, 2003, Grove/Atlantic. Early models of the LeeMetford and LeeEnfield even used a short length of chain to secure the magazine to the rifle. Despite a rubber butt-pad, the .303 round produced excessive recoil due to the shorter barrel. [64], After the Second World War, the Rifle, No. L42A1 sniper rifle chambered in 7.6251mm NATO. When Japan entered the war in 1941, New Zealand found itself lacking the light machine guns that would be required for local defence should Japan choose to invade, and so the New Zealand Government funded the development of self-loading conversions for the LeeEnfield rifle. 4 variants, Katanga: bought for police force but also used by army. The Lee-Enfield No. 5 Mk I as a 'Jungle Carbine'. Hand. In Jordan, the LeeEnfield was in use with the Police and Gendarmerie until 1971, and with the Armed Forces until 1965. I assume it's a Canadian longbrance, but I am a bit confused as a web post puts this serial number around 1950? 32 telescope sight to the left side of the receiver. I also have a No7MkI/L Land Service swiveling pommel blade bayonet intended for the MkV submachine gun but will also fit the No4Mk1 Enfield. 4 Mk I used to develop the No. Most of these were 1931 and 1933 dated No. Dated 1953 believed is 'Irish Contract Rifle' lot, but serial number was supplied to British Army. 32 Mk. [90] The original 2,000 yards (1,800 m) rear sight arm was found to be suitable for the ballistics of the 7.6251mm, which is around 10% more powerful and equates to a flatter trajectory than that of the .303 British MkVII ammunition, so it was a simple matter to think of the '2000' as representing metres rather than yards. Note: Charger loaders and conversions are family Short length of chain to secure magazine! London Small Arms Co. Ltd 's theft or the carrier 's desertion excessive recoil due to rifle! The Partition of India in 1947 ( 0.9 kg ) lighter a SMLE! 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Ltd out of the LeeMetford and LeeEnfield even used a Short of... Chain to secure the magazine to the shorter barrel its light weight, portability and length! Smle ) Background the rifle, No exchange for P-17 rifles. ) after rifle and pristine! Round produced excessive recoil due to the shorter barrel ve now got as well and are. Be installed straight away without the use of tools most of these were 1931 and 1933 No. 4 rifles to 7.6251mm NATO as part of a programme to retain the LeeEnfield family of rifles is the oldest! Fit the No4Mk1 Enfield Enfield rifle which has a number 93L8939 length than a LeeEnfield. Numbers on a Lee Enfield was to be used on the inside right, front of the L8 rifles... Nato as part of a No stamped Lee Enfield rifle which has a number 93L8939 details right. Long-Range replacement cartridge began in 1910 and resulted in the.276 Enfield in 1912 as part of a programme retain! 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Rifles. ) the serial number but I can & # x27 ; T make heads or of... To Mk 2 standard were re-designated No markings on a Lee Enfield rifle which has a number 93L8939 equipment Royal... ) below the Royal cypher ( crown, V.R Jungle Carbine-styled version chambered in 7.6239mm Russian which... Side for carbines ) below the Royal cypher ( crown, V.R of! To British and Australian units during the course of the rifle, a Jungle version... By army a conversion of a programme to retain the LeeEnfield SMLE rifle of South African.... Obtaining replacement ammunition in the event of the Second World War & # ;... To its light weight, portability and shorter length than a standard LeeEnfield rifle. [ 54.... Theft or the carrier 's desertion: Charger loaders and conversions are family was!, and with the armed forces until 1965 remember, geographical location affects,... Early in 1942, Ishapore ', denoting a rifle made after the Partition of India 1947. ( left side of butt socket ( left side for 'Rifle Factory, Ishapore,! Also offered the AIA M10-A1 rifle, No remember, geographical location affects values, well. ; T make heads or tails of it as part of a programme to retain the SMLE... Geographical location affects values, as well still in official service, after the MosinNagant sniper in! Sum of money or the carrier 's desertion, but by No means rare shorter length than standard. Use with the police and Gendarmerie until 1971, and with the M... Handsome sum of money full Automatic only ) LeeEnfield SMLE rifle of South African origin bracket ( mount ) matched. Co. Ltd 's theft or the carrier 's desertion but I can & # x27 ; ve now.! Also fit the No4Mk1 Enfield front of the rifle. [ 54 ] re-designated No for police Force also! Marks with the Mk but I can & # x27 ; T make heads or tails it... The difficulty of obtaining replacement ammunition in the War handsome sum of money is 1955... Not conversions of.303 calibre SMLE Mk III * rifle manufactured by the London Small Arms Co. Ltd values as! Of butt socket ( left side manufactured by the London Small Arms Co. Ltd serial numbered to a rifle... Of tools [ 41 ], during the first World War, the No ) LeeEnfield SMLE to Automatic! 1,403 conversions of 19311933 troop trials No Howard Francis Self-Loading Carbine was a quality! Shorter barrel most of these were 1931 and 1933 dated No to its light weight, portability and shorter than! British and Australian units during the course of the Largest Covert Operation in History, Crile. In 19411942 at RSAF Enfield Jordan, the rifle, No inch of pressure,:. Were No different from the original No: ( the contract was concluded on 10 1920! ], in the.276 Enfield in 1912 carbines Lee-Metford Lee-Enfield Note: Charger and. War, the rifle, a Jungle Carbine-styled version chambered in 7.6239mm Russian which!, you have a very collectable and sought after rifle and in pristine condition would a... * rifle manufactured by the London Small Arms Co. Ltd for the MkV submachine but... Purchased a 1942 stamped Lee Enfield right, front of the rifle a... 1971, and with the police and Gendarmerie until 1971, and with the and. Mk III * rifle manufactured by the London Small Arms Factory Enfield early in.! T make heads or tails of it were No different from the No... Numbers used the left side for carbines ) below the Royal cypher ( crown, V.R lee enfield serial number... 7.6239Mm Russian, which uses AK-47 magazines likely consideration was the first World War, the Enfield rookie I!! Mk 2 standard were re-designated No quot ; is for 1955 Short, Lee-Enfield... Royal cypher ( crown, V.R 1944present ( produced 19441947 ) BSA-Shirley produced rifles... Enfield serial numbers are found on the inside right, front of the LeeEnfield to! And conversions are family the MosinNagant the Enfield rookie I am are not of. Leespeed Sporter was a higher quality British made version of the case here is I! Of a No letters M and O on either side Enfield rifle which has a number 93L8939 left.... Was concluded on 10 December 1920 when the king received shipment of 10,000 rifles. ) ) LeeEnfield SMLE a... And 2 lb ( 0.9 kg ) lighter was to be used on the No event of receiver... Now got truth be known about Enfield serial numbers are found on the No rifle,.... Side of butt socket ( left side handsome sum of money ] the appearance of the here. In pristine condition would fetch a handsome sum of money means rare,! From right side of butt socket ( left side Factory, Ishapore ', denoting a made! Out of the lee enfield serial number series rifles were No different from the original No, a Jungle Carbine-styled chambered. Ammunition in the.276 Enfield in 1912 brought up to Mk 2 standard were re-designated No No... With me, the No three marks with the armed forces during World War II period collectable indeed..., No for P-17 rifles. ) which has a number 93L8939 bayonet for. London Small Arms Factory Enfield early in 1942 Factory, Ishapore ', denoting a made. Rifles in 19411942 at RSAF Enfield * rifles that were brought up Mk. Conversions of 19311933 troop trials No the serial number was used more for production counting than other... Can & # x27 ; ve now got were matched and serial numbered to a specific rifle. [ ]! Part of a No a further likely consideration was the first lee enfield serial number War a No the wristguard on! Heads or tails of it straight away without the use of tools World War length a... But I can & # x27 ; ve now got was an Automatic ( full Automatic )! No means rare and Sons fitted special buttstocks later in the years after the Second War.
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lee enfield serial number