Range day

[smle addict]

Took three enfields out to the range last week. Havent been in around three months, and I forgot what fun it is shooting these old Lee's. Shot a 1907 MkIII (H) fitted with a central target sight at 100 yards.
Second rifle is a 1950 No.4 Mk1* fitted with a 7.62 barrel, parker hale Twin Zero sight, and 7.62 magazine. First target was at 100 yards, 2nd target at 200 yards.
Last up was my L42A1, shot at 100 and 200 yards. The L42 does shoot better at 200, but I am out of practice.
I handloaded all of my ammunition, and I kept loads pretty mild. Bottom line is these rifles shoot much better than me. I guess I got spoiled with my hunting rifles and their light triggers. But nothing is more fun for me than shooting a lee enfield.

Information

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[Patrick Chadwick]

Shot a 1907 MkIII (H) fitted with a central target sight at 100 yards.

That is truly impressive. As I have a No1 MkIII that falls some way short of this performance, I would be very grateful for any info you could provide on bedding and ammo.

[smle addict]

I have never disassembled the MkIII nor the No.4. I was always afraid to upset the bedding if i pulled them apart. The MkIII has an Australian heavy barrel (club pattern), and came with the cental sight. I do know the nosecap is relieved at the muzzle. I purchased the No.4 in 1995 from a former canadian army sergeant who purchased the rifle in the late '60s, and had it converted to 7.62 locally (not DCRA). He told me he did not know what was done to the rifle as far as bedding, but it shot well from day one, and he never took it apart. I took his his advice and have not nor never will disassemble either rifle.
I do keep my handloads on the mild side, keeping velocities for the 303 to around 2400fps, and 2600 for the 7.62.

[eiclan]

Gday,The no3's shoot well out to 600 though my eyes don't,have a couple of 400 yard possibles with my 41 Lithgow so give the longer ranges a go for fun you will be surprised. Cheers Ross

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

A vicarious trip to the range! Beautiful Enfields! Thanks for sharing!

[spinecracker]

Gorgeous rifles (love the 7.62 1950 No.4 Mk1* - I never turn my nose up at a Long branch!). I had my own range visit today, and was getting just over 3/4" 5 round groups at 100 yards with hand loads with my 1942 NZ-marked Long branch (scoped using a cheap Tasco scope and a Fulton's no-gunsmith mount - my eyes are old) - heck, the bloomin' thing was shooting almost as well as my Savage .308 law enforcement model (3/8" groups with hand loads at 100 yards). Next time I will take a camera as well as a a measuring tape.

[bigduke6]

Gorgeous rifles (love the 7.62 1950 No.4 Mk1* - I never turn my nose up at a Long branch!). I had my own range visit today, and was getting just over 3/4" 5 round groups at 100 yards with hand loads with my 1942 NZ-marked Long branch (scoped using a cheap Tasco scope and a Fulton's no-gunsmith mount - my eyes are old) - heck, the bloomin' thing was shooting almost as well as my Savage .308 law enforcement model (3/8" groups with hand loads at 100 yards). Next time I will take a camera as well as a a measuring tape.

If your shooting 5 rounds at 100 yds, then why not enter the Milsurps comp/shoot? cat 3 allows any scoped Milsurp, also the comp/shoot is now open to .22 rifles , 25 or 50 yds/mtr

[spinecracker]

Bigduke, I will when I can get the parts for reloading - can't get the bullets, primers or powder that I need. The shelves of my local stores are bare, and Obama's lunacy has meant panic buying of almost everything to do with firearms. Besides, this is the first time that my reloading concoctions have worked for the rifle.