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Caliber: ....................... .303 in., more or less
Rifling & Twist: ............. 5 groove, rate varies a bit
Barrel Length: .............. 25.6 in.
Overall Length: ............ 44.5 in.
Weight: ....................... 8 lb.
Magazine Capacity: ...... 10 rounds
Qty Mfg: ...................... Unknown
“Khyber Pass” Lee-Enfield No.I Mk.III* Rifle
(30 picture virtual tour)
Rifling & Twist: ............. 5 groove, rate varies a bit
Barrel Length: .............. 25.6 in.
Overall Length: ............ 44.5 in.
Weight: ....................... 8 lb.
Magazine Capacity: ...... 10 rounds
Qty Mfg: ...................... Unknown
“Khyber Pass” Lee-Enfield No.I Mk.III* Rifle
(30 picture virtual tour)
Observations: by Steve H. in N.Y.
The Khyber Pass is a border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan known for it’s local weapons industry, notably the often crude manufacture of copies of well known firearms including Lee-Enfield rifles. These “KP Special” Enfields were fairly rare here in the USA until 2007 when a quantity were imported, then they turned up in dealers’ racks and on several web sites. Unfortunately, the rifles were not always advertised as what they really were with their false markings, dubious quality and general unsuitability for firing live ammunition.
The rifle that I bought (knowing full well what it was) is a hand made copy of a Lee-Enfield No.I Mk.III*. From a few feet away it looks like just another well worn SMLE but a closer inspection begins to raise one’s eyebrows. It would be tedious for me to describe each and every flaw-there’s something wrong with everything. I’ve tried to show some of the highlights (?) in the accompanying photos and I’ll add a short list of additional items.
- The receiver is 3/16" too short and the barrel is 1/4" too long so it almost evens out.
- The gas relief hole was drilled too far forward and is completely blocked by the back end of the barrel.
- Breeching up leaves something to be desired-the barrel points to the left a couple of degrees.
- The backsight ramp is about .080" too low, making the yardage markings just a dream.
- The nose cap will accept a bayonet but it hangs very low.
- Nothing is truly straight, round or square and measurements between, into or around anything are not “within spec.”
As with many of the other rifles from this batch that I’ve seen, the right side of the butt socket has been roughly ground down and hand stamped markings have been added indicating manufacture in the early 1900's. My guess is that the original marks were much later (maybe post WWII?) and this was an attempt to make the things more attractive to the tourist market. All in all I consider this rifle a “pretty cool” addition to my small collection. It’s a good conversation starter. My friends are impressed. I wouldn’t fire it on a bet.
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Collector's Comments and Feedback:
1. Note: After you click on images to ENLARGE them, you may find they automatically size smaller in your browser's window making them harder to view. The auto sizing is your browser's way of keeping images entirely within the screen size you have set. Move your mouse pointer to the bottom centre of the pic and you will see an options panel appear. There will be a small square box next to the large X, which will have a pointer arrow sticking out of it. If it's illuminated, it means the pic you're viewing can be enlarged, so click on this box and the pic will EXPAND and open to its normal size. .......... (Feedback by "Badger")
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