British Pattern 1914 rifles (10 ea.) in Greek shipping crate

Springfield Sporters imported a large group of Pattern 1914 rifles that had gone through Weedon repair standards and were eventually shipped to Greece. SS said that Greece had payed for the rifles and they were packed for shipment when WWII started and they could not be shipped. They were stored through the war and forwarded later. I detect a fib as Britain needing rifles after Dunkirk would hardly let them set unused. More likely they were sent to Greece by the British after WWII in support of the Greek war against communists.

Even though the crates had Greek language inventory sheets, SS had mixed the rifles in the cases. I put together this crate of 10 rifles with mixed manufacturers. Remington and Winchesters were higher priced, so I only chose a few of those makes. Handguards show replacement and in some cases multiple repairs.

Attachment 91236Attachment 91237

So, in this case it was the 303 that had the red front?

No the rifles with the red paint were obtained elsewhere.

I think the comment was sarcastic regarding the non-matching colour of the handguards with the stock, at least I understood it that way. Interesting to know, have never seen those before!

Are these for sale?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Biillaire1

Are these for sale?

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That should be a PM to the OP...

The rifles with red paint were US M1917 ID'd as "NOT .303" with the red band painted on.

My first P'14, (an ERA), is one of the 1980's load from Springfield Sporters. Bought it as a young fellow working in a Florida gun and pawn shop at the time. I still have it, it's matching and the bore is good at best but shoots like a house on fire.

I also bought my Winchester P14 from Springfield Sporters. I believe it was about 1983 and cost about $80.. Salt Flat

Was a great place when in its heyday.