Happy Fathers Day! from the Boys

[ArtioZen]

Jut picked up this Mk1 Boys - converted to .50cal BMG. This was a display piece for years in a local gun shop - one of those good old gun shops that seem to be dying out. Anyway after it closed our British Reconn re-enacting unit stayed in touch with the owner. Then it came up and money changed hands.

Its destined to be mounted on whichever period vehicle is at any given show that I attend - Carrier, Dingo, Morris, Humber etc. It does fire .50cal reasonable well (apparently) - we would prefer blanks - so I will look into that next.

Am considering making up sub caliber dummy rounds that can cycle through the mag and do the job, whether blank only or live fire - maybe .30 carbine - any info or ideas are welcome.

Now starts the hunt for spares and accessories too! Especially anything that would be vehicle / boys related (Morris LRC).

So for now, its goodnight from me, and goodnight from him

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Pics? We'd love to see this one. For subcal ammo, perhaps some .500 S&W cartridges and you'd need to make a cartridge adapter? Then even factory ammo would be completely tame yet engage the rifling for max accuracy. Poke the empty out with a rod. The case will cycle as designed. It's a centerfire too...a bit of careful lathe work and good steel will work. Chamber ream to .500 S&W and you're good.

[ArtioZen]

Thanks BAR - Ill fix the picture issue later - seems to have geeked out.

[Roger Payne]

I think they actually made a sub caliber adapter for it in .303" at the time.........
No doubt they'd be incredibly rare now though.

[ArtioZen]

Attachment 94039Attachment 94040Attachment 94041Thanks Roger! If anyone can rustle up drawings that would be great - still have to change to the .50cal BMG case dims.

Another member discussed a sub caliber fitting for an SMLE on a coaxial bracket.

I'm glad some of these ideas keep this as a "Lee Enfield Rifles" entry

[ArtioZen]

I also had another thought (shudder). Considering the similar development and adoption timelines...the No32 scope was eliminated from the Bren program and went on the No4 trials. Seeming some other rifles too. Is there any instance of it being put on the Boys and representing (a way ahead of its time) anti-materiel set up like the Barret et al of the last 2 decades. It seems this rifle was subjected to a lot of odd thoughts, trials, accessories and placements.

Sorry for abusing my rights not to publish thoughts

[Simon P]

We had a couple one converted to .50BMG & one in its original .55.


The .55 version came with a *** .22" CONVEYOR for ANTI-TANK RIFLE FIRING PRACTICE, easily made using a heavy .22 barrel.


Also had the adaptor for fixing a .22 SMLE to it as well. The one here is my actual brackets: http://www.rifleman.org.uk/Enfield_B...Tank_Rifle.htm

[browningautorifle]

they actually made a sub caliber adapter for it in .303" at the time

But, for the .55 chamber. Isn't this one in .50? Be easy to do a sub cal in .500 S&W...

[Brit plumber]

I doubt anyone would consider a No32 scope on a Boyes, the shock would probably destroy any accuracy after the first shot.

Does it by chance have the SA marking? Is it a 1940 B or C serial?

[browningautorifle]

a No32 scope on a Boyes, the shock would probably destroy

Matter of fact...we mounted a shabby looking #32 on a .50 cal BMG in single shot for a decent sighting system at the ranges it's capable of. I fired a couple shots and noticed the sight was slipping out of focus. On the third shot it was like looking through a glass of water to aim... The lenses inside had separated I'd guess and that was that. Back to iron sights, such as they were at the time. This was about...1983...