GREETINGS FROM SOUTH-EAST ENGLAND
Just wanted to say hello to all forum users and introduce myself.
I live in the part of Kent that during WW2 was referred to as Hellfire Corner. These days there's not so much 'Hellfire' as there used to be but I'm within earshot of our local military range at Hythe and regularly hear gunfire on the wind.
I retired three years ago and decided to take up rifle shooting to get me outdoors at the weekend. It's great! I can get my fresh air (perfumed with a little powder reek) whilst lying down. I joined a local club and, after six months probation period and a year of full membership, I applied for and obtained my Firearms Certificate.
I shoot as often as I can but as there are no convenient public ranges I can only shoot at booked shoots on the military ranges. Usually twice a month. I have rifles in .308, .223, .38/.357, and .22 but I had a slot on my ticket for a .303 and spent some time making up my mind about which rifle to select. The obvious choice would have been a Lee-Enfield in one or other mark but I also wanted a rifle that would shoot very acccurately in Service Rifle comps. As a Brit I have great regard for L-Es, and may well obtain one further down the line, but I made the decision in favour of a P14. I may hear some objections from L-E shooters on the matter of accuracy but, knowing that P14s were selected for sniping in WW2, and that fewer of them were made, I bit the bullet.
I had the good fortune to see a late production (last 15,000) Winchester P14 advertised on one of our gun trading sites and, after hearing from the seller's gunsmith on the condition, I bought it. I think I got a bargain as included in the deal came a (modern) 44mm zoom scope and rail, a Parker TZ 3/53 sight, over 100 once-fired cases, and 250 FMJ bullets. The rifle itself is cosmetically an 8.5/10 and has its ladder sights and volley sights intact.
Although the barrel was far from shot out, I made the decision to re-barrel. Initially I made enquiries about a Criterion barrel but I managed to locate a gunsmith who had a new original barrel, still in its Cosmolene, which is currently being fitted.
I've bought Skennerton's and Stratton's books for reference but you can't beat a forum for the breadth and depth of practical knowledge - so here I am.
I'd be happy to hear anyone's thoughts and advice about any aspect of the P14 and the shooting of it. I intend using my own reloads based on the military specs but would be glad of the benefit of wiser and more experienced shooters' input.
Have a good summer.
Buster
New Springfield 1903 Mark I Owner
Hello all, I'm new to the forum. I recently purchased a Springfield 1903 and I'm here to learn and also try to find out if it's safe to shoot. It's a high s/n (10572xx - don't know if it's OK to post the full s/n).
So it seems the receiver is safe but it's the bolt I think may be too old since it has a single "S" on the bottom of the safety lug. I can't find any other markings on the bolt assembly.
Let me know if you would like pictures of the rifle and if so should I use this post or create a new one?
Thanks!