Enforcer questions...

[spinecracker]

Alan, any idea who is the present owner of Enforcer #392? I think I found his/her magazine - attached to Enforcer #391, of all things!

[Alan de Enfield]

Alan, any idea who is the present owner of Enforcer #392? I think I found his/her magazine - attached to Enforcer #391, of all things!

Sorry no information

[Thunderbox]

I'm not sure that the "two ovals" type is actually genuine Enforcer type. I've seen two here in UK, and they were definitely someone's recent creation - though possibly using salvaged wood and other parts from scrapped rifles.

My 332 is of the later smooth-sided type, standardised across the other types of 7.62mm Enfield being produced then. Seems strange that they'd revert to a different style later in the number range.

[Alan de Enfield]

I'm not sure that the "two ovals" type is actually genuine Enforcer type. I've seen two here in UK, and they were definitely someone's recent creation - though possibly using salvaged wood and other parts from scrapped rifles.

My 332 is of the later smooth-sided type, standardised across the other types of 7.62mm Enfield being produced then. Seems strange that they'd revert to a different style later in the number range.

Certainly seems 'odd' that 332 is engraved without the 'ovals', then 395 has the two 'ovals' then as we get into the 400s we revert to no 'ovals'.

There seems to be no rhyme or reason in the serial numbers and the shipping dates - example - 450 was shipped on 10th December 1974 whislt 451 was shipped 26th October 1981. (7 years difference)

Just guesswork but maybe they machined batches of actions and put them on the shelf and just pulled from stock the nearest one at the time ?

[spinecracker]

Ok, so that is at least 1 vote for #395 being a mishmash (this is why I asked lol). Any other votes?

I did manage to get the buttstock off, and it is stamped with "395" on the forward face of the bit that goes into the butt socket and stamped "SILE" on the rear, under where the butt pad goes. This may point more towards this as being a genuine enforcer, especially as the records show that enforcer #395 was issued to a police force (but what the heck do I know???). I will try and get the seller to let me know where he got the Enforcer from (I believe he imported it from England as it has his importer mark on the underside of the barrel). I have 2 1/2 weeks to ascertain whether or not this rifle is genuine. If it is, I will keep it. If not, it is going back to the seller.

[rgg_7]

IMO, Enforcer 395 is genuine. The rear butt is beech; manufactured by "Sile" from Italy who did stock work for the special order rifles and sporting conversions. The serial number is in the correct position on the butt sockett. Have not seen magic marker inside the handguard/ forend however it could be a control number placed by an Armourer. The forend is stamped with the serial number...all lending credence to authenticity. The sights are incorrect and the rifle has be set up for fullbore shooting. Front sight can be replaced and scope mounts added. Having the Pecar scope is a plus. If it shoots as well as described and is genuine, it's a great find. You don't see them as complete and in the condition shown. The few I've seen lately require restoration and folks are doing this to have such a rare piece in their collection. You've got a great find. shoot and enjoy it! Ron

[spinecracker]

Thanks, Ron. Yes, the foresight will be restored to original configuration, the scope mount/rings are on the way (BIG thanks to Ron for his assistance) and the magazine will be restored to the correct Enforcer. I have a source for a replacement magazine, but I may have found the original magazine (will know in a couple of days).

I am considering setting up a matchmaker service for Enforcers and wayward magazines, because I have come across several (ok, 3 or 4) instances of mismatched Enforcer magazines just in the last 4 days.

[spinecracker]

By the way, what is the typical finish on Enfield Enforcer metalwork? Were there variations?

I have started my own list of known Enforcer "survivors" by going through Simon's sticky thread (and other sources), and I have counted 23 Enforcers out of the how ever many that are left. I wonder where the rest are???

[PrinzEugen]

On the issue of enforcers see that PH5e4 on ebay the other day - no eyepiece and went for a cool £275? I bet you'll see a few of them on the site soon as invariably people bung them on when one goes for a bundle - and chances are, they'll go for a good deal less.

Edit - just noticed it's not even finished yet!

[spinecracker]

I have been following that, too. Compared with that price, I think I got a very good deal on the one I bought!

By the way, I have found the owner of Enforcer #180, and he has the magazine for #380, that was apparently for sale at Bisley last year. Any leads on the whereabouts of #380, or anyone know who may have ben selling it? Wild stab in the dark, but that is how I found the owner of #424 lol.

All these mismatched Enforcer magazines - what the heck is going on??? Were the police just sloppy keeping their kit together?