L59A1 DP Rifle (by Peter Laidler)

[Badger]

With thanks to Advisory Panel member Peter Laidler, a new article has been added to the Technical Articles for Milsurp Collectors and Re-loaders (click here).

L59A1 DP Rifle (by Peter Laidler) (click here)

As Peter says …. "Putting my old teaching hat on and remembering the phrase that one picture describes a thousand words, here are a series of pictures showing the important points of what one of these mysterious ‘rifles’ embodies."

Article Extract .....

That was a timely picture by tlvaughn (click here) of his selection of No4 rifles which included a shot of an official No4 DP rifle, known to us in the UK Military as the RIFLE, DRILL PURPOSE, L59A1. I expect that some of the wild and untamed colonials and antipodeans among the forumers have been at their wits end trying to decipher what we unwashed Brits have been chuntering on about during our recent discussions about an Enfield Rifle that is incapable of firing anything, but is still a rifle…….called ‘……..an L59!’ The L59 was a downgraded rifle converted to a non firing, totally inert rifle for training use with Cadets (and not only Cadets I should add). Incidentally, numerically this is the last Lee Enfield. While there were 6 L59A2's, that should be looked upon as a sample run. That fact makes a genuine L59 a cheap but important item in any collection of Lee Enfields. …...

The left side of a typical L59A1 Drill Rifle. Notice the distinct, wide white bands on the butt and fore-end/handguard. This particular rifle had a blunted/rounded tip DP marked bayonet fitted too. There doesn’t appear to be any official EMER reference to DP No4 bayonets in the relevant EMER SA&MG V150 but this bayonet bears a label with the distinct red ‘S’ for serviceable which is lined through and now reads ‘…to EMER DP spec’. On the basis that if it is DP, it cannot be truly serviceable.


(Click PIC to Enlarge)

Peter has added a personal request in regards to this article.

Note: If you have any questions or don’t understand something or my instructions are ambiguous then please ask on the forum and NOT by PM (Private Message). That way everyone will get the benefit of the question and answer.

Regards,
Badger

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Peter Laidler]

Apart from TLVauaghn, has anyone actually got one of these L59A1 beasts? I know the Brian from BDL has an original one. Were they available in the US? And what is their lawful/legal status in the USA. Status in Australia, Canada and NZ. I'd like this information plus any other Q's and A's to use should the matter escalate to push and shove here in the UK.

Does anyone know if anyone has been seriously, or even not seriously killed or injured after being shot with one? That was just a joke............

[Alan de Enfield]

Apart from TLVauaghn, has anyone actually got one of these L59A1 beasts? I know the Brian from BDL has an original one. Were they available in the US? And what is their lawful/legal status in the USA. Status in Australia, Canada and NZ. I'd like this information plus any other Q's and A's to use should the matter escalate to push and shove here in the UK.

Does anyone know if anyone has been seriously, or even not seriously killed or injured after being shot with one? That was just a joke............

I have seen them (occasionally) on Gunbroker, and the seller stated that as they were a 'receiver' they could only be shipped to an FFL or C&R - I presume that means that they are still classed as a 'gun' in the USA ?

Comments ?

[jona]

Some were brought in(I have 2), but most were snapped up by a school for use as drill rifles.

[Peter Laidler]

Legal status in your part of the world Jona? Are they on any form of licence. I ask because 'the bleedin obvious' doesn't appear to feature in the licensing laws in various parts of the globe!

[Brit plumber]

Well I'd love to get my hands on one, but it would appear theres more in the US than the UK! Peter, if you ever come across one, let me know, I'll purchase it! Oh, same goes for a SKN to, it can live next to my SKN Bren!

Cheers.

[limpetmine]

I have one. In the US they are considered non-guns, and not subject to regulations. Ther were imported by Navy Arms in the early 1990's, with a boat load of L-42's and L-39's. I was raising 3 kids under 3 years old and had shut down my gun collection activity, and didn't even know they had arrived, until 10 years later. Talk about missing the boat!!

Apart from TLVauaghn, has anyone actually got one of these L59A1 beasts? I know the Brian from BDL has an original one. Were they available in the US? And what is their lawful/legal status in the USA. Status in Australia, Canada and NZ. I'd like this information plus any other Q's and A's to use should the matter escalate to push and shove here in the UK.

Does anyone know if anyone has been seriously, or even not seriously killed or injured after being shot with one? That was just a joke............

[limpetmine]

Alan, most (US) sellers don't know the law, and err on the side of caution, which is understandable, and require transfer to/thru an FFL. The original ad for the L-59 in the US states that it is a non-gun and can be shipped to anyone. I have a copy of that ad on another computer, and will post it when I'm able.

I have seen them (occasionally) on Gunbroker, and the seller stated that as they were a 'receiver' they could only be shipped to an FFL or C&R - I presume that means that they are still classed as a 'gun' in the USA ?

Comments ?

A similar situation exists with the CMP selling modified 03 Springfields as trainers, modified to an accepted method by the ATF to allow non-gun status. And M-1 rifles, as well.

[jona]

Legal status in your part of the world Jona? Are they on any form of licence. I ask because 'the bleedin obvious' doesn't appear to feature in the licensing laws in various parts of the globe!

Because the receivers are not flame cut into 3 pieces, they are considered working rifles and so one has to fill out a federal form to purchase and get a background check.

[Amatikulu]

I have one of the L59's in my collection. It was sold to me as a non-gun, and that is what I believe the status of the rifle is here in the USA.

I am sure that Brian Dick will know the correct status of this rifle and hopefully he'll chime in and clarify this.