BSACo. Model 1895 Lee-Enfield MK* rifle

Here for your viewing pleasure is BSACo. Lee-Enfield MKI* 1901 serial number A55655 which was issued to PVT Van Buren Arnold who enlisted in the 6th Canadian Mounted Rifles, South African Forces at Calgary on April 24 1902. he proceeded to South Africa, was returned to Canada, and struck off strength in consequence of "Disbandment of the Forces." He retained the rifle after leaving service. The rifle came with the oil bottle.

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Very nice rifle...

I have A45669. Also a 1901 BSA Mk.1*. It came from the estate of my Great Uncle in Mitchells Bay, Ontario and was out of New Zealand service. Very cool.

Here's a 1908 photo of Van Buren and his new bride taken in Browning MO after which they returned to to their homestead in Crossfield Alberta which he filed for in 1902. Now all I need is a photo of him in uniform holding the rifle.
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Treasure! There's nothing like provenance.

He "chose" the right war; got home with a nice rifle and was a farmer by the time WWI rolled around, and so probably exempt from service.

Took the rifle out to the range yesterday and had excellent results at 50 yards with Hornady .303 British 174-gr boat tail hollow point Vintage Match AMMO. This off-the-shelf ammo is designed to provide top of the line quality and match grade accuracy. The boat tail helps reduce the drag on the round as it travels to its target. The muzzle velocity of this product is 2430 feet per second and will still be traveling at roughly 1650 feet per second at 500 yards. Its trajectory levels out at 200 meters, and drops 10.5 inches at 300 yards. These cartridges have a brass case, are Boxer primed, non-corrosive, and are reloadable.
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