picked up this BSA Enfield No8

[lee_enfield223]

well I had one of these No8's a long time ago and I couldn't get it to shoot and the trigger was rough with lots of creep(I know you can adjust them) anyway I sold it off, but the Enfield bug got me again and here's my latest No8, ill try lots of different ammo through it to see what shoots and post the results in about 6 weeks as it will take about 1 month to get it.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Peter Laidler]

Looks like it's been messed about with to me. The fore-end has been customised/individualised. They were usually a very light but heavy beech and triangular shaped past the magazine well area. Loads of info on these No8's on the main Lee Enfield forum

[Patrick Chadwick]

Looks like it's been messed about with to me. The fore-end has been customised/individualised. They were usually a very light but heavy beech and triangular shaped past the magazine well area.

Agreed. It looks to be rounded off and stained - but cared for. Should be an OK shooter. On the basis of not inconsiderable experience, a normal human being cannot shoot enough small-bore lead bullets to seriously wear the bore or erode the throat on a .22. Clean the bore carefully, inspect for damage* and check the muzzle crown, that's about it. Oh, and do indeed try every type of .22 ammo you can get hold of - results can vary from indifferent to superb! To find the best ammo you will need to shoot 10-shot groups at 50 yards. At 25 yards most 10-shot groups off a rest will be more or less one ragged hole, making selection difficult.

*Rust, ringed bore, or grooves caused by Bubba "cleaning" by using a wire brush in an electric drill!

[lee_enfield223]

I have been told by the person selling this rifle that the bore is perfect and it functions with no problems at all, and I believe him as he is a good friend who I have bought items from before and have known for thirty plus years, and as you see it, is how he bought it some time ago from an auction in Europe then imported it into Australia, also I noticed that the wood has been sanded and refinished but I am in the not least a bit worried as I want it to shoot in military small bore matches and am not after an untouched true collectors item, which I have plenty of and will not shoot them such as a swedish M41,lithgow No1HT,and No4T just to name a few.
Oh thanks info about the lee enfield site I have looked at it before and it does have some very good pages

[Peter Laidler]

We were allowed 3 bulges in the barrel before it was sentenced Z for a new barrel. Only Base workshops could replace barrels on No8's

[lee_enfield223]

there's no bulges in this no8's barrel I am happy to say