DP/EY markings

[taffyh]

I'm considering buying a Long Lee which has DP stamped on knox form and DP and EY on butt.I'm told they come from a regimental museum and were deactivated as display rifles by grinding down firing pin and blocking bolt head hole.New pin and bolt head fitted and just proofed.I've read the threads and warnings about DP markings but surely if just proofed its safe isn't it? I fully intend to shoot it regularly by the way.Any advice appreciated . Thanks

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[Badger]

Here's a few links to other threads where Peter Laidler and others have discussed the pitfalls of DP and ZF marked rifles ...

ZF marking on Enfields?

DP Stock Marks Query

DP Rifles

Please read them all thoroughly before you go and buy something like that, or shoot it ...

if just proofed its safe isn't it?

I'm not sure what you mean by this?

Regards,
Doug

[Mk VII]

Proving is limited to 'safe to fire', not 'suitable to fire'.

[Peter Laidler]

And well it might have passed proof! But YOU don't know why it was downgraded to DP to start with. We stamp them to tell you to NEVER use them again. And because some people were stupid in the past and ignored those distinctive markings on every part, we had to mark them with distinctive white or yellow or white/red bands too. And do you know what................? Yep....., stupid people even remove the white bands. Do you want me to go on?

I suggest that you read up all the stuff on DP rifles on this very forum then think again. You asked for some advice, well, that's just my 2c's worth.

---------- Post added at 09:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:02 PM ----------

Almost right Mk7......... It means it fired and came through unscathed when the proof house fired it remotely under controlled conditions

[taffyh]

Thanks Doug.
Forgive me but I obviously know but a fraction of what you guys know although I did read the other posts you refer to before posting.

I mean given that its just passed proof its surely not taking any greater risks shooting it than usually involved in shooting non DP marked old rifles?

Also many thanks for your reply but what do you mean by safe but not necessarily "suitable " to fire?
I really appreciate your assistance.

---------- Post added at 03:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:16 PM ----------

Sorry Peter but I posted my reply before reading your advice.Having read all the old posts re DP markings and these I think I get the message. Better to save a little more and get a nice one without such markings. Thanks for the(perhaps literally) face saving advice!