Re: 1916 #1 MK III trigger guard question

[flyer]

I have a 1916 dated #1 MK III Enfield serial number D97XX. It has the provision for the attachment of the stacking swivel, but it also has the screw loop on the front of the trigger guard. What kind of loop was attached at the front of the trigger guard? Both screw loops (stacking and trigger guard) do not have anything attached. Where could I get the correct parts to restore both loops? Also, what type of sling would be correct for this rifle and where is the best place to get one. Thanks in advance for help in restoring my oldest Enfield.

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[Claven2]

Many (most?) of the rifles never had that loop fitted. It's there so that on parade a parade sling can be rigged that runs between the nosecap and the trigger guard. More often than not this would be white leather of blanco'd webbing.

That attachment point was not used in the field and the loop was often the first thing to be removed if the rifle ever went into the field, if it was ever fitted at all on your particular rifle.

[jmoore]

Actually, you already have the swivel and screw for the attachment point in front of the magazine. It's the rear swivel and screw!

No reason to have both on the rifle at the same time- just pick your preferred mode of use. I like the fwd. point better, myself, for both carry (muzzle up) and shooting w/ the sling. In rainy situations muzzle down carry is probably better, but are you going to subject your rifle to the harsher elements?

ETA: The German G88 and G98 rifles had a QD system that performed the same function but theirs was more "tactical".

(For more pics of my "lonely G98", click on link below):

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=20975

[jmoore]

Point of possible interest:

The first turnbolt Lee (model 1879) had its rear swivel just fwd of the magazine well, but it wasn't optional!

[Beerhunter]

Sorry but I cannot agree with some previous posts.

The Sling Swivel attachment in front of the magazine was so that certain regiments could sling their rifles between it and the Upper Sling Swivel, as opposed to the one on the butt (the Lower Sling Swivel). It was indeed used in the field (and on parade), mostly by Calvary and Rifle Regiments. It would be incorrect to have both it and the Lower Sling Swivel on the butt - it's one of the other.

It was not fitted to the No4 and No5 but by then it had been used for attaching a breech cover and so the No4 and No5 have simple loops for that purpose.

[Peter Laidler]

I haven't been an Armourer or in the Army all that long but I must confess to have never having heard of a special white parade sling that was fitted between the nosecap and the trigger guard. Could you be mixing this up with something else Claven?