The Enforcer 7.62mm Sniper Rifle
History and Images
In the years following World War Two, the semi-automatic assault rifle emerged as the rifle action of the future and as such most all development of military bolt action rifles stopped, this of course included the Lee-Enfield. However, popular and traditional thinking persisted on the theory that only bolt actioned rifles could provide the accuracy needed for snipers and marksmen (a thought that remains to this day). In addition to this the military was concerned that the new assault rifles would degrade the individual soldier's marksmanship principles, in other words, "aimed shots" would be replaced by the "spray and pray" mentality. Another concern early on was for the civilian shooter involved in military marksmanship competitions. What civilian could afford or what government would allow the average person to tote around a privately owned assault rifle? So on a far smaller scale, development over the years continued with the tried and true Lee-Enfield. This development produced several military and civilian target/sniper type rifles. Namely, on the military side, the L39A and the L42A1, on the civilian side was the Envoy and Excel and on a Police sideline the Enforcer. The departure from the infantry "line" rifle to that of the specialty rifle allowed the developers to design outside of the box. Basically only one restriction was placed on them, the rifle must be chambered for the "new" 7.62mm NATO round. The results were; a shortened fore-end (all but the Excel had a top handguard) a free-floated heavy barrel, a modified action to accommodate the 7.62mm round and the corresponding magazine. Most sported Monte Carlo butts; front tube sights and fully adjustable competition rear sights.
To spotlight the Enfield Enforcer specifically
In the early 1970's the Enforcer was developed from the military L39A1 target rifle specifically for Police sniper use. Approximately 700 of these rifles were produced in total, not many considering in today's world; a commercial "commemorative" type rifle is usually produced in 1000 rifle numbers.
The Enforcer chambered in 7.62mm NATO came standard with:
- 1) A "Matchmaker" front tube sight,
- 2) A.J. Parker adjustable twin zero rear competition sight,
- 3) Free-floated heavy barrel,
- 4) Shortened (sporter style) fore-end with handguard and Monte Carlo butt,
- 5) A PICAR 4-10X45 scope mounted on Parker-Hale pads and
- 6) Upon request of the individual sniper, it could be fitted with a Bi-pod.
All Enforcer's were built using new Mk2 actions (trigger hung from the receiver versus hung from the triggerguard) and all were stocked with new beechwood furniture. In keeping with traditional practice these rifles were issued to individual Police marksmen. Given today's liberal thinking, many of these rifles have not survived, being crushed by their former owners, the Police. The attitude of governments today precludes them from surplusing firearms for public sale. It is indeed a sad commentary on history, that as early as 40 years ago marksmanship and competitive shooting was a family endeavor. Sponsored and encouraged by governments. Today it is perceived to be a black art, outlawed by some countries and greatly discouraged by others. So if one finds an Enforcer for sale, it should be considered a rare find and promptly bought up. Interesting that the last made Enfields would be the hardest to find. Not to steal someone else's thunder, Mark Stevens has a website dedicated to the Enforcer, which goes into great detail discussing the history of this rifle. You can access this page by following this link: Mark Stevens Enforcer Website
Enforcer Number 545
