Amatuer's guide to Enfield magazines??

[ralfus]

I was wondering how many different enfield mags there are. Not by maker or arsenal stamps, just simply how many that would fit one version of rifle but not another. I am aware that the No1 and No4 used different mags, but are any interchangeable? Pics to help ID would be nice too.

Thanks

Information

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[jmoore]

Actually, a fairly large number of variations and downright different mags have been used. Everything from early single column to 7.62x51 10 (L8/L42a1) and 12 shot (Indian) magazines. Books are a great asset here.

[ralfus]

I plan on getting books soon. I saw a mag at the gunshow and the seller didn't know what model it was for and neither did I.

How do you tell the 308 mags from #4 303 mags?

[John Sukey (Deceased)]

Basicaly the most common are the smle and No4 magazines. The SMLE mag has a two step rib on the back while the No4 has a one step rib.

You will rarely encounter a single stack magazine for the Lee Metford or the five round carbine magazine. Yes, I know there are five rounders that will fit the SMLE, but these are cut downs rather than made that way and an original will have a small metal loop at the front for attaching a link to tie it to the carbine.
The only others would be the .British308 mags, one of which will let you feed from the mag and the other intended as a single loading platform for the L39A and the Indian .308 mag for their .308. I am not counting the .22 hornet mags for the lighgow conve4rsions.

OOPS almost forgot the 20 round mag. If you find one, you have won the lottery.

[ralfus]

Thanks for the replies.

I've been browsing around and now realize that some SMLE mags were notched for the cutoff while others were not. Was the cutoff discontinued at some point and the order given to discard the cutoff and its screw during inspection/repair?

[Sunray]

"...How do you tell the 308 mags from #4 303 mags?..." .308/7.62 mags have square corners and have a different follower.

[Peter Laidler]

Here's a good idea Ralfus. Why don't you research the subject and write up a small paper on it. You'll never make a fortune but it'd certainly be a useful guide for all the LE collectors around the world.

[303 Collector]

Sorry to correct you John. You quote "5 round carbine mag" when I believe they take 6.

[John Sukey (Deceased)]

Well, yes.

[ralfus]

Here's a good idea Ralfus. Why don't you research the subject and write up a small paper on it. You'll never make a fortune but it'd certainly be a useful guide for all the LE collectors around the world.

That would certainly keep me busy for the next ten years. The hardest part is translating terminology from English English, American English (too many dialects), Canadian English (what is a zed?), Aussie English (cheers), NZ English, Indian English (call tech support/call center English).

Thanks for the help folks.