SMLE hit by AP round !!

[Peter Laidler]

Here is a genuine documented set of photos of the true SMLE where the shooter was hit by an AP round. The core went down the barrel leaving the envelope behind in the muzzle, detonated the round in the chamber and blew it up. He was only shaken.

We have the full documented story at Warminster.

Attachment 11164 - Attachment 11165 - Attachment 11166 - Attachment 11167 - Attachment 11168 - Attachment 11169

Information

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[Lithy]

Just goes to show you can't trust those inherently weak rear locking actions.

If it was a mouser the operator would have been able to clear the obstruction by firing a clearing round and kept on firing.

[Bindi2]

you know Lithy you are nearly right. Having seen some of the Warminster collection and the results of hits the Lee_Enfield is no weakling just the best battle rifle for its period in time plus. I have seen more blown front lockers than Lee_Enfields so go figure and that includes wildcats on the Lee_Enfield 303 action and case

Q for the powers that are: Would it be possible and or wise to have a sticky showing the above photos and any others that exist showing just how good the Lee_Enfield is in the design, strength department.

[Peter Laidler]

We have a reasonably large selection of damaged rifles. This rifle is so damaged that it's impossible to lift the bolt. But I suppose that an AP round would have this effect.

Glad that it attracted a bit of attention chaps!. Next week I'll get the info/dates re the incident and put it up

[gunner]

That is interesting and it shows also that the LE is strong enough to have this. BTW did the shooter ask for Warranty repair? Last time i`ve seen an ex sniper rifle the sniper hasn`t that luck. The round hits the left side of the scope and went trough the sniper too. Hope i can find the pic.
Thanks for sharing it Peter.

Regards

Gunner

[NavyShooter]

Amazing!

I saw the Warminster collection in 1996 and 1997 with the CF Bisley team and took a series of photos way back when. I'd have to scan them to post them up, but I recall being extremely impressed by that collection.

If I remember right, there's one room with a "ready" rack of M-16, AK, etc that were out for handling, and when I picked up the M-16, it turned out NOT to be an M-16, rather, an EARLY AR-15, but it had the 3 position selector!

Pretty neat! I use that as an example for people who say that the AR-15 is only a semi-auto.

A delightful collection. What was the tank out front again?

NS

[louthepou]

Is this what is called an "exploded view picture"?

[bradtx]

Anyone else get the feeling that at sometime, somewhere some of these photos will show on a headspace/weak action phobia thread?

Brad

[villiers]

Did it happen in the R A I N ?

[Alan de Enfield]

Did it happen in the R A I N ?

No - it was after using OILED ammunition !!!!!