.22 Enfields

[tlvaughn]

I have been waiting for close to a month for these rifles, so when my wife called and told me that FedEx delivered a big, heavy box this AM, I could not wait to get home.

First is a No7 MkI (BS202X) with a mismatched bolt (BS2514). According to The L-E, the standard backsight for this rifle is the Mk I backsight; however, the backsight on this rifle is ranged from 200 to 800 yards (No5 MkI backsight?).

Second is a No8 MkI (DA103X) with matching bolt and transit chest.

I have only seen a few of these on-line and have never held one until today, so I am looking for feedback from those of you that own, have own, or have handled these.

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.

[jona]

You are correct, the No. 7 does have a replacement rear sight. The original is about 1/3rd shorter, windage adjustable and has a 3/4 inch cup peep sight(see "The Lee-Enfield" pages 504 to 508, or "The Lee-Enfield Story" pages 438 to442).
The No. 8 was made by BSA specifically for New Zealand, and they only made around 2,000.

[enfield303t]

Great purchases. Your No 8 looks alot cleaner than mine and getting a transit case is such a bonus.

[Mk VII]

This appears to be a British 7, and should have the usual rifle sight. 3BA ejector screw is missing, not that it serves any purpose.

[Steve H. in N.Y.]

Nice rifles! I think the transit chest is actually for a C No.7.

[No4Mk1(T)]

Nice rifles! I think the transit chest is actually for a C No.7.

Yep. A CNo.7 chest for sure. Odd markings though. Someone painted an "8" over the "7".

[stencollector]

The Canadian supply catalogs back in the 80s (all on microfiche cards) lists the no8 rifle NSN as an active supply item. So there may have been some in Canadian service. Whether someone in the CF actually took the time to remark the model number on the chest is a big question. Most likely the chest was renumbered post service to match up with the rifle. The CGB number above it is still for the Cno7 rifle.

[Peter Laidler]

The No8 won't fit into the cradles positioned for the No7 rifle. It'd be interesting to see whether the chest was in fact chopped around internally to take a No8 rifle

[tlvaughn]

The No8 won't fit into the cradles positioned for the No7 rifle. It'd be interesting to see whether the chest was in fact chopped around internally to take a No8 rifle

I do not have another chest to make a comparison, so I hope these pictures will help out.

[rgg_7]

Your chest is a Canadian Cno7 modified for the No8. It's been neatly done with the cradles recut to the No 8 profile, then relined with felt. The position of the cradles and the cleaning jag is unchanged. These chests, at one time were in abundant supply and realitively inexpensive. How times have changed. Ron