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This rifle followed me home from the gun shop the other day, so guess I better learn a little bit about it. Stamped on left side of receiver- U S Property. Below that, a flaming bomb. About 1.5" behind the flaming bomb-SNo4Mk1*. On left side of butt socket, serial #-98C7772 (1944 ???) and below that a small letter "B". Any info would be much appreciated, thanks.
Regards
Ken B
Ken, You've a Savage manufactured L-E. At first it was a private contract with the UK, but became part of the Lend Lease agreement, hence the 'U S PROPERTY' stamp. As the property stamp is on s/n 0C17 (or 14) it is thought production started following LL.
The flaming bomb is the traditional US proof mark. Does the bolt's s/n match the action bodies (reciever)?
Brad
Seems like the "B" is a British acceptence mark.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken B
Nice link for the Lend Lease Savages:
http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting...eno4/index.asp
General No. 4 information:
http://www.surplusrifle.com/no4/index.asp
The Lee-Enfield Rifle Site:
http://enfieldrifles.profusehost.net/main.htm
Brad:
Thanks much for the info. Yes, the bolt is a match. Is there any way to determine the year of manufacture??
Ken B
The serial number you listed would date it 1944.
Thanks to all of you for your help. I hope to shoot this thing possibly this weekend. I'll let you all know how that goes. I doubt if it will kick like those Mosen Nagants do. Hope not anyway. Thanks again guys.
Ken B
Ken, I recommend UMC or Remington ammo for a baseline run. Here's why...it shoots the same as some of the highest regarded milsurp Mk.VII ammo, the Greek HXP. Secondly the thinner brass, compared to milsurp, will show chamber and headspace (thinner rim) condition quite readily.
Let us know how she shoots.
Brad
Brad:
Shall do. Thanks much.
Ken
I'm a happy camper. Took the 303 to the range yesterday and shot 20 rounds. Absolutely first class. Before I went, I ran a bore bruse down the barrel and was unable to brighten it up much. Took it out and fired it. Chamber and headspace good and after I got it home and cleaned it, I found the bore to be bright and shiny. I was only able to shoot 75 yds since the longer ranges were busy. Took me a few rounds to figure out the sights. The foresight might be a bit left. Will make a tool and deal with that. Everything else-great. What a rush.
Ken B
Just the kind of news we like to hear, Ken!
Brad
Ken, did you use 303 british ammo or 303 savage? I just picked up a similar rifle and Im not sure what to use.
Lee Enfield's, with a few notable exceptions, are chambered in 303 British. 303 Savage is a completely different cartridge.Quote:
Originally Posted by johnnyglazier