The Pattern 18

(An A.G. Parker conversion known as the .303 cum .22)

Of all the .22 caliber training rifles, this rifle offered the most realistic operating and handling characteristics of the full bore .303. Utilizing "conveyors" a chamber adapter shaped in the form of a full sized .303 cartridge. The conveyor was a smooth bored and chambered for a .22 long rifle, rim fire cartridge. They allowed for normal magazine use, charger loading and ejecting. On the down side, the conveyors required a special tool to load the .22 cartridge into them and again to press out the spent case. As well, the heavy steel construction of the conveyor required a special ejector to be added to the receiver and still they were prone to ejection problems. The Pattern 18, because of these drawbacks, saw little service as a military training rifle.

Pattern 18 receiver shown with a "conveyor". Note the added extractor situated just ahead of the safety and under the charger bridge.

Pattern 18 receiver, top view, with a loaded "conveyor". Drill round at bottom of image gives relative scale.

Ten "conveyors" and a standard SMLE magazine. Drill round gives relative scale.

Expeller Rod (Type 1)

Expeller Rod (Type 2)

 

The expeller rods were used to push out or expel the fired .22 brass, out of the conveyors. Pictured with the Type 1 expeller is a volley sight iris for size comparison. The washer shown in both pictures were used to cushion the blow against the conveyor, when pushing the empty brass out.

Images courtesy of Warren