Lee-Metford Sparkbrook 1895 MKII* Rifle

[5thBatt]

5th Batt. I Don't want to get into a p***ing contest with this . After all I am only a beginner at this (40yrs) and my 4th post. Skennerton .303 Magazine Lee-Metford and Magazine Lee-Enfield.
Page16. and 22.

Number of posts means nothing to me & never look unless its pointed out.
Welcome aboard.

[jrhead75]

An interesting point that could use clarification. It doesn't seem to make sense to abolish the rod only to bring it back with the next series of rifles and carbines (whatever its nomenclature) after that. The only mention of it in the source material that I have access to (LoCs) is the 1899 abolition of the clearing rods.

[5thBatt]

I dont have the book mentioned but I'm thinking after the change from cleaning to clearing rod (they are two different types of rods) the clearing rod could have been withdrawn/obsoleted in 1895 but the clearing rod carried over until it was withdrawn in 1899.
Really need to see that publication.

[jrhead75]

On page 22..."After May 1899 (per LoC §9700) clearing rods were abolished which is why few are found with MLM and MLE rifles and carbines today. Originally known as 'cleaning rods', when pull-throughs replaced the cleaning rods they were used for clearing the chamber, by joining two together."

Pretty clearly implies two terms for the same thing.

[5thBatt]

On page 22..."After May 1899 (per LoC §9700) clearing rods were abolished which is why few are found with MLM and MLE rifles and carbines today. Originally known as 'cleaning rods', when pull-throughs replaced the cleaning rods they were used for clearing the chamber, by joining two together."

Pretty clearly implies two terms for the same thing.

Different heads & different lengths 27.5 inch Cleaning vs 17.2 inch Clearing.

[jrhead75]

Yes different rods...but the nomenclature changed once the pull-through was introduced, not when the rod was shortened. LoC 7404, introducing the MLM MkII states: "...the clearing rod is shortened...etc."

[varifleman]

The rifle arrives Thursday 17 Sept so I'll give a range report once I shoot it.

[xsniper]

I have an 1894 all matching, unfortunately along the way it was sporterized, still has the volley sites attached. Any chance that anyone knows where one could get some furniture for these rifles?

[CINDERS]

Cool Vari we wait and see the results of your efforts at the range hope it all goes well for you I hope none of that gunk has gone into the crowns rifling, thought I would share some of my 303 Lee books the 2 jewels of these 4 books I suppose are The British Service Lee and the special maroon coloured presentation edition of a limited edition which is No.30 and signed by Ian.

[rayg]

Blood leaves very distinctive pitting damage and will clean bluing off like naval jelly if left unattended. I have a '43 JP Sauer 98K with damage to what is an almost new condition rifle. The soldier to whom issued obviously didn't get very far.

Here is a good example of what blood will do to a finish if left on it. It's on a papered T-53 rifle brought back from Nam by a Marine Lt. It was given to him by the commander of a S Vietnam Marine unit for supporting them in a fire fight. The Lt sent it home as received and apparently it didn't get cleaned. You can see all the areas were the wounded enemy had handled it with blood on his hands. Blood can pit deep if left on and especially in a humid climate. The Lt. sent me this photo page of him and the rifle. He had been shot in the front of the helmet but the bullet after penetrating helmet glanced of the liner, Ray