UK Proofing Question

[Giove]

I think it's always good to use the gauges go/no-go if you want to shoot the rifle, either the bolt is matched or not matched.

[Giove]

That aside, this must have been the last time that a significant batch of Enfield's have been surplussed and made available to collectors.

Here in Italy, the PMAL of Terni still has a good number of Lee-Enfield, not the ten thousand sold from the Taranto Navy depot, but a lot, including a number of trainers.

[Chubbs]

I think it's always good to use the gauges go/no-go if you want to shoot the rifle, either the bolt is matched or not matched.

Headspace has been checked again by gunsmith and ok. Previous to that I had fired over 150 rounds through it. I really didn't have any concerns over the rifle failing just the legality of it especially if I went on to sell it.

Regards Lee

---------- Post added at 11:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:08 AM ----------

Why don't you contact the Birmingham Proof House and ask.

The Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House, Banbury Street, Birmingham B5 5RH, England, Tel. 0121 643 3860, Fax 0121 643 7872

Thanks for the info but they were my first port of call. They state that the bolt should have a mark which is contrary the CIP agreement.

Regards Chubbs

[Buccaneer]

There is no problem in owning a gun in the UK without recognised proof marks, I have come across lots and I fully expect to see a lot more especially privately owned ex military rifles. You can even shoot it if you wish to do so, the problem arises when you come to sell it.
It is illegal to sell or even advertise for sale a gun that does not have either UK or CIP recognised proof marks something that even some dealers are quite happy to ignore at times.
If there is ever any doubt about the provenance of a gun then it is common sense to have it checked by someone who knows what they are doing, not necessarily your mate down at the shooting club who has got one like yours and then take advice on what if any proof marks there may be on the gun.
Remember military proof marks on British ex military rifles are NOT legal as far as the current proof laws are concerned, guns just showing military proof marks MUST be submitted to either the London or Birmingham proof house for inspection, testing and proofing.
I know that lots of people feel very aggrieved about the proof laws in the UK and the way the proof houses seem to be able to move the goal posts when it suits them but the law is what it is and not necessarily what we would like it to be...…..