L59A1 White band size/position

[Flying10uk]

Yes, it looks like the lower part of the rib down the centre of the mag has been reduced in hight in order for it to fit the No4 properly. I believe that this is how the SMLE mag normally gets doctored to fit the No4.

[harry mac]

I heard a rumour that when the order was put out to either hand them in for scrapping or have them deactivated to the civilian standard, some RAF armouries were prepared to turn a blind eye to robbing all parts except bolt, barrel and receiver. l:

I couldn't possibly comment.
Unfortunately, I never got "the nod" when they finally disappeared.

[Peter Laidler]

Once a 'weapon' is classified as DP, then its value is relegated to NIL and is deemed to be nothing more than training material. Although it must remain secure, the security is the lowest category and could be reduced to scrap at Y/Field workshop level.

[Mk VII]

That woodwork showed up on deacts here a few years ago, suitably cleaned, paint-stripped and patched. If you didn't note the positions of the cuts you might that it was just in-service repairs.

Does anyone know why all the L59 D.P No4 rifles that Ryton Arms had for sale 2 or 3 years ago were just stripped down actions and barrels, deactivated, of course? There was no woodwork or mag that came with it and the mag was the hardest part to find, at a sensible price.

Nick, has there been a bit of metal ground off the back of the SMLE mag in order for it to fit the No4 rifle?

[Nick S]

Bands painted - just need to stencil the DP on now...

[Peter Laidler]

Did you find the DP/L59 article in the Knowledge Library any use? All you need now is a scrap bayonet to blunt and paint to DP spec. Never an official thing so far as I was ever aware but a lot of the school CCF's used to ask for them.

[Nick S]

Yes - very helpful article (and the one on rifleman.org.uk) - I used it to check off the features of my L59. (It has them all, just with the wood replaced, so no cutouts yet.)