Trials pattern Lee Metford carbines.

[englishman_ca]

I am just showing off again. 1893 dated 1892 Pattern Trials Carbines.



Top one is serial number 4 and is a restoration to how the first series of one hundred carbines were sent out for trials with the rifle bolt and a ten round magazine. I used the other carbine's wood as the pattern. I have been toying with this little carbine for about ten years now using it as a deer gun. I gathered parts for the restoration until today when I finally got motivated to do it. The nose cap was the hardest part to find. A friend who is a Scot and lives in Germany found one in England and shipped it to me in Canada.

Hot off the duplicator, this is my first fit up with rough sanding and one coat of raw linseed oil to see how the colours match. It will darken a bit as I get into the oiling regime. The walnut was cut in the Niagara area about 75 years ago. Nice stable seasoned wood with which to work.

The lower one is also a trials carbine, second series, serial number 5. I did very little to it other than some minor wood repairs and a gentle cleaning.


Fifty of the first series were returned to the factory in 1893 for an update and reissued as the second series. The update involved bending the bolt handle forwards and inwards as per later production carbines, but note that there is no flat on the bolt knob. A six round captive magazine was fitted with its unique carbine trigger guard, and a top handguard was fitted and attached with spring clips.



So here they be, two examples of carbines that are not often seen. Not many around, only about five are known to survive. I thought I would share.

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[mmppres]

Very nice looking rifles

[Warren]

Very nice....
Will it be at Sundridge ??????

[englishman_ca]

No, sadly I wont be at the Sundridge Gun Show, I have to work this weekend!

[Evanguy]

Wow, where do you find this stuff? i must say, you sure do have some cool rifles.

[A square 10]

really nice have you done a lot to them ? or did they come to you like this ?

[englishman_ca]

Thirtyfive years of collecting Evanguy, just keeping my eyes open and being knowledgeable enough to recognise something for what it is when it comes along.

The top carbine was bought at a yard sale for fifty bucks. It had the front wood cut right back to the receiver for use as a 'Dory gun' in a Nova Scotia fishing boat . No bolt, no mag (estate sale, seller could not find them).
The forearm is new made and the nose cap is taken from a Martini. The wood is now dark with oil so matches better than in the pics.
The bolt, mag and trigger guard are taken from a rifle (which are correct).

Bottom carbine was intact, just needed small repairs to the wood and a gentle cleaning. Both carbines have the original metal finish.