Flanders Flap

[5thBatt]

Just got this

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Is that a real one? I have nothing to compare with...

[5thBatt]

Is that a real one? I have nothing to compare with...

A few of us looked at it & general consensus is yes a real one

[Badger]

For those newer collectors who may want more detail, check the MKL under this entry in the United Kingdom section......

1917 No.1 MkIII* Rifle (137 picture virtual tour ... click here)

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The rifle shown in the virtual tour is correctly serial number matched and in addition, is equipped with a very rare Flanders Flap. This flap was designed to keep the mud out of the barrel, but was spring mounted so it could easily be opened, or flip out of the way if the soldier accidentally discharged his rifle without opening it.


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Regards,
Doug

[browningautorifle]

yes a real one

Congrats then, I know how hard they are to find...

[Strangely Brown]

Some more pictures of a Flanders flap I once owned, bought from the late Pete Bloom.

[Sentryduty]

or flip out of the way if the soldier accidentally discharged his rifle without opening it.

I would like to actually test that out, I have always wondered about this sort of stuff, the "does something automatically in an emergency" aspect but getting it wrong could prove catastrophic or at the least expensive.

If a fellow shot with one in place and unopened I wonder:

1. Would it flip away without issue or damage, and if so what would happen with the bullet strike?

2. Would it flip away, damaged but reusable, or ruined?

3. Would it not flip away and punch a hole through the flap?

4, Would it not flip away and cause damage to the crown/muzzle?

But for the cost of ruining a relic, and maybe a rifle, I suppose I will have to be content to wonder about it.

Perhaps it would be comical like watching an defective C7 bayonet get shot downrange on a live fire...

[Peter Laidler]

A bit like watching a safety 'bullet catching' blank firing adaptor being tested on the slow motion video. So many shards of steel, copper and lead flew off in all directions that it totally destroyed the camera lens that was placed to one side!

I guess that the flap thinggy would remain absolutely intact with just a hole through the centre and no damage to the rifle. On the basis that the flap part would simply offer absolutely no resistance to the bullet

[mr.e moose]

I have seen one pretty much intact except for a ragged hole through the flap.

[Sentryduty]

I have seen one pretty much intact except for a ragged hole through the flap.

Seriously?

If so, I think that completely answers my question.