Magazine Lee Enfield Mk1* Magazine Retaining Link

[waco16]

I would be grateful if anyone could provide me with the dimensions (wire diameter, overall length and overall width please) of the single link that joins the magazine to the trigger guard loop on a Mk1* Magazine Lee Enfield

The type shown in the attached picture

Or Better still does anyone have one in their 'spares' box

Many Thanks

Information

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[smle addict]

hello Waco,

I took measurements from two of my long Lee's, and two carbines. I found that the loop/wire diameter is between .108 (2.74mm) and .110 inches (2.79mm). Overall length is .912 inches (23.16mm), and overall width is .403 inches (10.23mm). I took a piece of small diameter safety wire and did my best to trace it against a magazine loop. The best overall length of the wire stretched out is roughly 2.45 inches (62.23mm).

Hope this helps

*edited-later in the day

Your inquiry post reminded me I need one of these for my MLM Mk I* that is missing this loop. I had been meaning to attempt to make one, but forgot. So I went out in my scrap pile and found some 1/8" diameter steel rod. I put it on a bench sander and turned it down to approximately .108" diameter. I then took my small butane torch and a small metal finishing hammer and proceeded to heat and bend the rod around a 3/16 punch. I got it as close as I could get to an originals shape. I then heated it red hot and dunked it into a bucket of old motor/gear oil for a nice oil-blacked finish. It didn't turn out too bad (for an amateur and a first attempt). Took me a little over an hour and a half.

[waco16]

hello Waco,

I took measurements from two of my long Lee's, and two carbines. I found that the loop/wire diameter is between .108 (2.74mm) and .110 inches (2.79mm). Overall length is .912 inches (23.16mm), and overall width is .403 inches (10.23mm). I took a piece of small diameter safety wire and did my best to trace it against a magazine loop. The best overall length of the wire stretched out is roughly 2.45 inches (62.23mm).

Hope this helps

*edited-later in the day

Your inquiry post reminded me I need one of these for my MLM Mk I* that is missing this loop. I had been meaning to attempt to make one, but forgot. So I went out in my scrap pile and found some 1/8" diameter steel rod. I put it on a bench sander and turned it down to approximately .108" diameter. I then took my small butane torch and a small metal finishing hammer and proceeded to heat and bend the rod around a 3/16 punch. I got it as close as I could get to an originals shape. I then heated it red hot and dunked it into a bucket of old motor/gear oil for a nice oil-blacked finish. It didn't turn out too bad (for an amateur and a first attempt). Took me a little over an hour and a half.

Excellent!
Thanks for taking the trouble!