Newbie question, new to me P14

[dmboct19]

I just picked up a P14, an Eddystone serial #12715, the receiver, bolt and barrel all match, one thing though the receiver is not marked with the asterisk and numeral 2 to show it had the bolt and chamber modification, it passed a headspace test with no problem, the question I have is since it doesn't have the modification is it safe to shoot? Thank you.

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[Patrick Chadwick]

Wrong question. Nobody is going to give you an "all clear" for an unseen rifle. Why should they take the responsibility? YOU are responsible for whatever use you make of your rifle.


A correct question would be "does anyone know of a reason that this model may be unsafe to shoot?"

It seems that as far as possible, the P14 MkIs were modified to MkI*. However, an improvement does not automatically mean that the previous version was dangerous junk, I do not know of any blanket order forbidding the use of unmodified Mk Is on the grounds of safety. But that may be just my lack of information, so if you know of such a ban, please post the source here.

Counter-question: Are you aware that "unstarred" i.e. unmodified P14 Mk Is are considered to be very rare?
So if you are worried about safety, why not sell it at a serious collector's auction, where it will probably bring enough cash to enable you to buy a good "starred" shooter and have quite a bit left over?

- Mind you, the replacement will also have to checked out for safety aspects! ALL old guns must be checked. A century-old proof mark only says that it was OK a century ago!

[A square 10]

it would be one i would consider collectible based on the discussion , but id sure like to see a bunch of detailed photos to provide more ,

[dmboct19]

it would be one i would consider collectible based on the discussion , but id sure like to see a bunch of detailed photos to provide more ,

I will try to post some pictures

[Mikesm44]

As far as I have been told the only thing to look out for on Pattern 1914's is cracks on the receiver where the barrel meets it. There is no known difference between makers. It could happen on any rifle. It is a result of how the barrel was attached to the receiver, they could apparently easily apply too much pressure and inadvertently crack the receiver. Rebarreled examples are obviously more at risk. Unlike the M1903, there is no specific serial block to avoid. As far as I understand the "upgrade" to Mk1* involved the length of the locking lugs on the bolts, but this was not done for a safety reason. It was done for the convention of having all three makers make them to the same specifications.

Oh, forgot to add, I have an unstared example that I shoot all the time, but as others have said, take that information as you will.

[H.e.s.h]

Counter-question: Are you aware that "unstarred" i.e. unmodified P14 Mk Is are considered to be very rare?


An interesting point Patrick, can you explain this further for us?

[dmboct19]

Here are some pictures, as you can see someone restocked the action in a DP stock but no parts are DP marked, only the stock, there are however EY markings on the action, bolt, bore etc. all are in terrific condition, doesn't look like it was fired much, to bad it doesn't have the original stock.

[dmboct19]

I just went through Charles R. Stratton's book on the enfield and found no explanation for the EY marking, it's been said it is for emergency use only but in his book he makes no mention of EY at all, he does state that a maltese cross marking indicates for emergency only but no where is EY explained, does anyone have a reference for EY?

[WarPig1976]

does anyone have a reference for EY?

If you use our search function at the top right of the page you shall find what you seek.

[Beerhunter]

the question I have is since it doesn't have the modification is it safe to shoot? Thank you.

Does it have British civilian Proof marks?