Bipods again.

[Brit plumber]

Can anyone tell me if RFI made Mk1 Bipods? I have acquired a Mk1 bipod with the majority of parts being of Inglis manufacture (Marked JI), but both the adjustable portion of the legs are marked RFI (Not marked JI) and one foot is marked RFI (Also no JI marking). I wondered if RFI just marked up any of the manufacturers components as they passed through the factory during rebuilds.

This paticular bipod had the adjustable legs brazed and the catches removed (As they did to make a Mk3 type) so I've unbrazed it for my Inglis DD project. Would anyone know where I could get hold of some catches?

I've also got a BSA made bipod with the staked rifles logo all over it, it also has been brazed (And pinned) but I'm thinking I may keep this as is? Should I keep it as is, or repair it for one of my Enfield DDs?

ATB, Chris.

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[Peter Laidler]

I think that RFI did make Mk1 bipod assemblies as the same bipod is used on the (later) Mk3 guns. I say later because the first uk Mk3's in service utilised Mk2 and 3 type bipods, in their various forms '.........in order to use up existing stockpiles..........' to coin the words of the day. As we know, from then onwards, the Mk3 gun used the original Mk1 bipod.

On that basis, knowing that the Indian Army order of battle and even the parts lists followed ours almost to the letter, then there's no reason to think that thye did anything different.

On the subject of Indian Brens, did their L4/7.62mm Brens use the L4A2 type blast shield/shroud on the bipod sleeve as did ours?

[Brit plumber]

Thanks for the reply Peter.

From the limited number of IMGs I've seen, it appears they do have the shield fitted.