7.62 No4 MKI conversion question

[Surpmil]

I suspect it is not a DCRA conversion, but a gunsmith special using a Canadian Arsenals 7.62 barrel. DCRA conversions had a new serial number stamped onto the top of the bolt handle and a matching number stamped onto the receiver's right side just behind the barrel. A number of CA barrels were sent to England. It looks like Parker Hale got hold of at least one of them.

How does one explain the stylized maple leaf proof mark on the bolt and barrel ring then?

Notice that the "1" is in the same font used on other conversions. I haven't seen that font anywhere else on a Lee Enfield of any type.

These barrels did get fitted to odd actions now and then, but I've never seen one of those that had a conversion number or the maple leaf stamp.

We've been over the Parker Hale thing. See my previous posts.

[No4Mk1(T)]

I agree with Surpmil completely. This is, with out doubt, DCRA conversion No.1. What most people call the conversion number is, as was explained to me, actually a Magnaflex (sp??) number. When an action was received for conversion it would be gauged for suitability, the conversion done then proof fired. If it passed proof it would be Magnaflexed and re-gauged at which point it would receive it’s proof mark (stylized Maple Leaf over a P) and Magnaflex tracking number. Of the half dozen DCRA 7.62mm rifles I have owned and perhaps additional 10+ I have viewed all had their original serial numbers in tact. Because the rifles used for the conversion process, for DCRA shooters, were sent in by the individual shooter any action may be encountered. In this case the rifle used went through Parker Hale’s hands before it was sold. Congratulations on a significant find enfield303t. You have many of us Long Branch collectors feeling very jealous right now! Thank You also to Bearhunter for helping enfield303t and bringing him here.

[superbee]

Looks like the real deal to me.I handled/seen 30-40 dcra's over the years and everything looks right with this one.
This one should be documented and perserved as a piece of canadian target shooting history.

With less than 2000 offically converted they are very under valued.

Someone should soon write a history of canadian target shooting before all the info is lost.

[Surpmil]

As I've heard it, the bolts and bodies were magnafluxed to check for cracks (same process used for cylinder heads etc) then hardness tested. If they passed those two, then the conversion was done, proof fired and if that was succesful, then the maple leaf mark and the conversion number went on. If one looks underneath the bodies near the front guard screw boss, the 'punch' marks left by the Brinell hardness tester can be seen.

Congrats to the new owner - you do have a piece of history there. I'd agree about the lack of documentation on Canadian target shooting etc. The knowledge is disappearing with the people, and quickly.

It would be nice to hear about the other rifles, and I'd suggest contacting the original owner and getting his comments on tape or paper ASAP.

[Peter Laidler]

I seem to recall that our L8 conversion programme was centred around these CA barrels as hey were available, off the shelf....., albeit without bayonet lugs. It indicates that a quantity of the barrels did come to the UK. In fact, we have a sequel to this project at Warminster.

Nothing is ever complicated with small-arms

[enfield303t]

I suspect it is not a DCRA conversion, but a gunsmith special using a Canadian Arsenals 7.62 barrel. DCRA conversions had a new serial number stamped onto the top of the bolt handle and a matching number stamped onto the receiver's right side just behind the barrel. A number of CA barrels were sent to England. It looks like Parker Hale got hold of at least one of them.

I know I am not a expert on Lee Enfields but can't imagine a gunsmith building this rifle as after seeing #12 and #40 personally and pictures of #692 which all have the identical markings he would have been the busiest gunsmith in the world. I do feel fortunate to have this rifle and know it is being treasured by my son and I.

[No4Mk1(T)]

As I've heard it, the bolts and bodies were magnafluxed to check for cracks (same process used for cylinder heads etc) then hardness tested. If they passed those two, then the conversion was done, proof fired and if that was succesful, then the maple leaf mark and the conversion number went on. If one looks underneath the bodies near the front guard screw boss, the 'punch' marks left by the Brinell hardness tester can be seen.

That sounds perfectly reasonable to me. Looks like I was given the sequence of testing slightly out of order. The old gent who passed the information along to me confessed that his memory was a little dim but thought the way he explained it to me was what he was told when he bought his rifle. Thanks for setting me strait.

[Lee Enfield]

As I've heard it, the bolts and bodies were magnafluxed to check for cracks (same process used for cylinder heads etc) then hardness tested. If they passed those two, then the conversion was done, proof fired and if that was succesful, then the maple leaf mark and the conversion number went on. If one looks underneath the bodies near the front guard screw boss, the 'punch' marks left by the Brinell hardness tester can be seen.
snip....

They're not actually Brinell impressions (too small). DPN or HRC of some type.

Hardness impressions are also on both bolt lugs, and sometimes on the boltheads. Also noticed on the striker cam on the bolt body, and the sear surface of the striker.

Sometimes the bolts are the originals which came with the action. Sometimes they are new unserialed replacement LB bolts with just the conversion number stamped on the bolt arm.

The Parker Hale markings could have been applied if the gun was gunsmithed/accurized/bedded at some point by P-H.

Have/had one that was "Fulton's of Bisley" marked on the receiver ring....

[enfield303t]

Thanks again to all who have helped in the identifcation and especially Bearhunter who with his keen eye spotted the marking. I will take more pictures as requested by Surpmil and post them.

[Peter Laidler]

What did these Canadain converted 7.62mm No4's shoot like? If they shoot like our L8's and the T's converted to 7.62mm L8 spec, no wonder they're undervalued.

We have a retired Small Arms School Warrant Officer who was on the trials. He said after the first shoots with them, they packed up after the first morning and sent them all back to the trials branch, suggesting that there had been some mistake. No mistake................

You won't believe this, he's just walked in! Steve Stevens.................