SMLE Barrel Band

[Son]

Since the SMLE Mk.III normally has no upper band, how can it have a "lower" band? Maybe "inner" and "outer" or "barrel" and "forestock" bands? What's the official terminology, anyway?

From the parts list sheet...
Band, inner
Band, outer

[5thBatt]

From the parts list sheet...
Band, inner
Band, outer

Also referred to as a lower band, try page 146/7 TLE, will see if i can find more reference to it being called a Lower band tonight.

[Peter Laidler]

The only one that counts is the Ordnance parts list........ According to mine (see below), the band around the barrel is the BAND, inner and the band around the fore-end and handguard is the BAND, outer.

While we're all here, the same Notes for Armourers dated 9/43 and amended in 8/47, issued (to 14502442 Craftsman T Charnock who's name is pencilled on the front!) by RAOC Technical Services at Weedon makes only 2 mentions of the W mark '.....as found on the left side of the reinforce on service arms which will indicate identifiable cordwear at the breech'. The letter W also indicates Pattern 14 rifles made by Winchester whereby components.............. and off it goes......'

So quite where this fallacy that little letter was ever meant to indicate Weedon is just that - a load of tosh! There, another load of useless Enfield info

[5thBatt]

The only one that counts is the Ordnance parts list........ According to mine (see below), the band around the barrel is the BAND, inner and the band around the fore-end and handguard is the BAND, outer.

That maybe so Peter but that doesn't change the fact it is also known as the Lower band & i also see it being referred to as the "swivel band" in some publications.
I am more than happy to call it the outer band for this thread & for the sake of peace on Earth. Happy Holidays

[Peter Laidler]

I see the point you're making 5th Batt but while it might be known as something else, as is the so called 'king screw', ........ the official nomenclature is what it is. Reminds me of the time I ordered 10 bore brushes or something similar and put the VAOS ref down as B1-1005....... instead of B2-1005....... Instead of my 10 bore brushes I found myself the proud owner of 10 brand new No5 (or was it L1A3) bayonets. Ordnance only issue what is on the demand sheet.

The problem also arises on the forum when you dive in and answer a Q only to find, as I have done, that I ain't answered what he was askin' because he has mis-identified the part.

It's like the W mark........ If you don't correct these little things they become regarded as the gospel

[Parashooter]

I suspect references to "lower band" on the SMLE Mk.III are the result of someone erroneously applying the nomenclature from one of the earlier or later models, many of which do, indeed, have upper and lower bands. Of course if we go back to some pre-Lee Enfields, there's a mid(dle) band, too.


Attachment 67919

Another interweb favorite is "top handguard". Ever seen a "bottom" handguard? (Upper and lower are OK when we have tandem handguard sections, but it's never top and bottom. Go figure!)

[5thBatt]

I suspect references to "lower band" on the SMLE Mk.III are the result of someone erroneously applying the nomenclature from one of the earlier or later models, many of which do, indeed, have upper and lower bands. Of course if we go back to some pre-Lee Enfields, there's a mid(dle) band, too.


Attachment 67919

Another interweb favorite is "top handguard". Ever seen a "bottom" handguard? (Upper and lower are OK when we have tandem handguard sections, but it's never top and bottom. Go figure!)

You could well be right but need to check tonight but at least one refers to the earlier rifles while explaining why it was referred to a Lower band even though the SMLE did not have a upper band.

[Parashooter]

. . . the SMLE did not have a upper band.

Don't forget to specify which SMLE. Think about the Mark V, which does have an upper (and lower) band.

[5thBatt]

Don't forget to specify which SMLE. Think about the Mark V, which does have an upper (and lower) band.

Don't forget the No4 has a upper band too.
The book is pre WW1 so no MkV then

[Parashooter]

But, we all know the Number 4 isn't an SMLE, right?