DP Stock Marks Query

[No4Mk1(T)]

Most enlightening Ed thank you for the link. I had assumed from their web sight that the receivers being used were un-used surplus. I think I’d still be interested in having one if they were available here in Canada.
I completely agree on the topic of Mr. Laidler’s comments regarding the DP and ZF markings. Thanks for setting me straight Ed and educating the ignorant Peter.

[Edward Horton]

Most enlightening Ed thank you for the link. I had assumed from their web sight that the receivers being used were un-used surplus. I think I’d still be interested in having one if they were available here in Canada.
I completely agree on the topic of Mr. Laidler’s comments regarding the DP and ZF markings. Thanks for setting me straight Ed and educating the ignorant Peter.

No4Mk1(T)

During the Reagan years as President here in the U.S. we went through “deregulation” this simply means the rich got richer and the little guy at the bottom got the shaft. Health and safety regulations moved backwards and as an example our American Boiled linseed oil is toxic and your Canadian BLO is not.

The laws here in the U.S. are on the side of the manufactures and company profits come before our individual safety.

I wouldn’t touch one of those welded receivers on those Gibbs 03-A4 for love or money, my brother-in-law had a Santa Fe 03 remanufactured Springfield receiver and had nothing but problems with it. Caveat emptor

[jmoore]

Went through one of those "'03-A4s" recently, which was easy, as NOT ONE screw was tight! Receiver was cracked at the bolt stop hole area, probably due to poor welding pre or post heat control. (Not a safety issue, but it didn't inspire confidence.) Plenty of other stuff not up to snuff, including the wretched scope. Really, really not impressed! OK for a re-enactor firing blanks, I reckon.

[Peter Laidler]

Ed, you thread on the re-welded bodies was frightening.......... Re-welding bodies...., it's a mind boggling idea. Surely somebody told them that when welding, the steel that you put BACK, ain't the same steel that the oxy-cutter took OUT. Let me just digest that again............. Re-welding bodies!

[bearhunter]

Peter, back in 1992, I picked up several DP marked Pattern 14 Enfields. International Firearms and Lever Arms were selling them for under $20, delivered. The only visible thing wrong with these rifles were the holes drilled through the stocks and chambers and a rod welded into the hole. These rifles were complete otherwise and in VG-Exc condition. All were matching numbered and when the barrels were pulled and the actions magnafluxed looked to be sound. Some of them looked to be new and unissued before they were mutilated. They certainly hadn't seen any use on the drill fields.
Supposedly they came out of the UK. Some, not all had red and white stripes painted around the receivers and stocks. I've seen several of these actions that were put to use later. They were Remingtons and Winchesters for the most part with a few Eddystones thrown in.

Any ideas on these and were you involved in or know of their disposal and why such pristine examples were DPed?

[Peter Laidler]

Never involved in any P 14 rifles except used to see a few when assisting the circuit Armourer at Cadet Forces who had all sorts of stuff!. But maybe these old rifles WERE used as DP marching/drill/fieldcraft etc etc rifles in the past and returned to Ordnance 20 or so years ago. And don't forget, they get returned to Ordnance in PERFECT condition. After all, you wouldn't want anything issued from Ordnance in shixx condition. Then they sold them off....

But we're not talking here about drilled barrels, we're talking about cut receiver bodies. It's a bit like your dads friend taking the drilled barrel and welding it up for you............. it's scary

When we returned some 70,000 Sterling SMG's to Ordnance they were all rebuilt to new condition and returned complete to CES. And if you were short of kit, it had to be made up! Then within a few years, they were all scrapped

[Brian Dick]

Ed, The only thing deregulated in the gun trade here under Reagan was the importation of surplus military firearms as banned since the GCA of 1968. I think you might remember who controlled Congress at that time? It's the same bunch we have now controlling everything. I like to think of them as neo-fascist. Anyhow, enough of that. The big importers are rich most likely becuse they started out rich and don't give a dead rat's behind about anything except selling you guys their wares. Caveat Emptor! Brian

[Edward Horton]

Ed, you thread on the re-welded bodies was frightening.......... Re-welding bodies...., it's a mind boggling idea. Surely somebody told them that when welding, the steel that you put BACK, ain't the same steel that the oxy-cutter took OUT. Let me just digest that again............. Re-welding bodies!

If you think that welding receivers is shocking Mr. Laidler you should have seen how frightened I was when I found out the British played with their butts.

I know what you are going to say, butt Badger wouldn’t let me post any real photos.

(they used weldwood wood glue)