The Holy Grail arrived

[S-A-M3]

I have make 2 barrel bands by cutting ,reshaping and welding Long Lee bands, quite a bit of work!!

[bigduke6]

I,ve had a kind offer of an original so no need to sacrifice any more bands, had thought of the long Lee bands but only had one.....

[bigduke6]

With thanks to Phil Rose, barrel band arrived the other day, needed a bit of tweaking for a good fit but didn't take long.
With this fitted headed to the range with a Bandoiler with some downloaded ammo. (see range reports) still needs a few things, the retaining spring for the barrel band needs fitting, bolt cover and the leather rear sight protector, bolt cover I know were there is one, as for the other bits they will be made, the retaining spring is very basic and have a cast repro to copy from ( another bit acquired from Phil, sometime back).

[RobD]

Lovely result! I am sure you know, but for the benefit of other: the Fort William cartouche indicates Fort William Arsenal, Calcutta, not the wee place in Scotland.
So a grand NW Frontier service history, I should think.

[bigduke6]

Thanks Rob,

Had a few Martini,s with the same cartouche, regarding the LEC think the Indian Government roundel gives it away also, found a picture of a few from an Indian cavalry regiment on the internet armed with LEC,s cant find it now but was a good pic.