More Bad Press For The Enfield

[enfield303t]

I have no experience shooting 7.62 in my DCRA rifle in the rain but can say shot numerous times in wet conditions using my No4 in .303 many years ago. I remember one particular shoot where the three prairie provinces (Sask. Alta. and Manitoba) competed in the heaviest rain I have ever shot in. My No 4 was literally dripping and it was impossible to keep it or the ammunition dry. The competition was for any rifle/sight/calibre and the more it rained the better the old No 4 performed. At the short ranges some of the custom rifles/calibres shone but the minute it started to literally "pour buckets" the old .303 took over and performed wonderfully. Once we shot past 300 yards the No 4 was unbeatable. The ammo was wet the gun was soaking and never a single issue. If I remember correctly it was one of the best days I ever had in competition. Until one comes apart in my hands,regardless of calibre I just won't believe these "experts" and their stories.

Information

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[Edward Horton]

The British have used an oiled proof testing cartridge since the Victorian Age which was originally “Burma Oil” which had a high paraffin content, this made the oil slicker than snot on a door knob.

Oil on a proof test cartridge doubles the force on the bolt compared to a normal standard cartridge. The United States does not use oiled proof cartridges to test civilian commercial firearms because it can damage the firearm.

This means the Enfield Rifle was built and tested to fire in the rain rather than call the war off until the sun came out.

As a side note the Australians eat vegemite and might be half nuts but they are not stupid.



British Proof Testing References

http://www.dstan.mod.uk/data/05/101/01000100.pdf

http://www.dstan.mod.uk/data/05/101/02000100.pdf

http://www.dstan.mod.uk/data/05/101/03000100.pdf

[ireload2]

deleted

[Surpmil]

Is the report of this Board of Enquiry in the public domain?

If not, can it be obtained and published here?

[jsmaye]

It looks as if the bad press is starting to spread....
"This post-war No4 action is the best of the Lee Enfield bunch but if you overstress it you risk your life"
...

(underline mine)

This is also absurd, as the same could be said for any firearm.

[Edward Horton]

As an American our proof testing system here in the U.S. appears to be far different than the requirements in the U.K. The easiest way to fight back is to know more than the “other” side and kill the opposition with facts and information.

At some point in time the proofing standards in the U.K. changed either in how high the proof pressure standard is (% above normal chamber pressure) and also how often or when the rifles were re-proofed when changing hands

You will need to study the older “Textbook of Small Arms” for proofing and testing standards for military rifles verses civilian rifles. And also any other published material you can get your hands on and bombard the opposition with facts on the Enfield Rifles strengths.

Writing letters to the editor airing your displeasure about what was written solves nothing, you need facts to discredit the authors assumptions.

Knowledge is power, so use it to defeat the opposition.

[spinecracker]

That, Ed, is why letters were written to the editor requesting the information that is being used to discredit the 7.62 Enfield. Once we know what that information is, then we can find the most effective way to combat it.

[Edward Horton]

If I may make a suggestion, the Canadian members here could try and contact Jim Bullock he was on the Canadian shooting team and also pressure tested thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Mr. Bullock would be an invaluable source of information on the Enfield Rifle on the very subject we are discussing here. Oil or water in the chamber can cause the headspace to increase faster than with a dry chamber and is directly related to chamber pressure (.303 vs. 7.62)

Don’t wait for Pearl Harbor or Singapore to be attacked first again, gather information and prepare for a immediate counter attract.

Jim Bullock
“I have pressure tested thousands of rounds of ammo in many different calibers both professionally (years ago) and more recently using the facilities of the Canadian Gov't (Explosives Branch) and Expro (maker of IMR powder).”

http://www.smellysmleshooters.net/ammopressure.htm

[Paul B]

Hey Horton you old bludger here's a vid of your bestus mate gayrider

[Edward Horton]

Paul AKA Dr. Beer

Is Dave shooting the new AIA .308-7.62 Enfield or a customized .303 Enfield.

Also tell Dave he must have a "headspace" problem if he needs to wear his ear defenders on "top" of his hat.

Good to hear from you Paul.
All the best