New 1941 Lithgow! Did I get Fleeced?

[pisco]

hi i fitted a set of copper blocks yesterday it is not a big job just take your time if you go a bit to far a couple of bits of aluminium foil will put it in its place
i have a couple of spare sets but getting them to the states is a pita

[Surpmil]

At least Jovino had the decency to put their new SN in a place where the originals were never put. Makes the caveat a bit easier for the emptor.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

Assembly numbers and "serial" numbers.

Actual "serial" numbers are normally on all the major / "matched" parts. Barrel, Body, rear-sight leaf, nose-cap, etc.

These things were originally assembled in stages, with various gauging, proofing, etc. tests along the way. Parts that were "hand-matched" like body and bolt, for example, had assembly numbers applied. Serial numbers in the approved places were added much further along the chain. Interestingly, bolt-heads were not numbered in the normal course of assembly, however, they were proofed when supplied as spares. The copper bedding blocks are an Australian "fix" for the dubious nature of Coachwood. See also the threaded brass rod pieces reinforcing the fore-end and hand-guard.

The copper blocks are to reinforce the "draws", not so much against recoil, but against "slipping" of the fore-end. Unlike a Mauser, the actual recoil is transmitted from the locking surfaces to the firer's shoulder via the "socket" / ferrule at the rear of the body. That is one of the reasons the extended trigger-guard sits at an angle to bore alignment; it acts as a "wedge" to stop the for-end moving "forwards" during recoil.

It may all sound a bit cheesy, but Commonwealth shooters posted some pretty good scores at 900 yds with these rifles and standard-issued Mk7 ammo over the years.

That also points to the "catch" with these rifles: They were originally BUILT around Mk 7 Ball ammo; not slinky boat-tails or other bullets of different weights, muzzle velocities and profiles.

Not only that, but they were, first and foremost BATTLE implements, essentially bayonet extension poles that could also be used for other work., NOT bench-rest rifles. Grouping acceptance was about 3.5 MOA. Interestingly enough, your basic M-16A2 /A3 has a "factory acceptance" in a similar range. That is the worst -case scenario, but it is "close enough for government work".

[Alan de Enfield]

Grouping acceptance was about 3.5 MOA. Interestingly enough, your basic M-16A2 /A3 has a "factory acceptance" in a similar range. That is the worst -case scenario, but it is "close enough for government work".

Often known as 1MoM (Minute of Man)

[AFJon]

There's one for sale on gun broker now ,not listed as a Covino special but looks exactly like the ops. Price is up over $900.

[rcathey]

There's one for sale on gun broker now ,not listed as a Covino special but looks exactly like the ops. Price is up over $900.

Is that what they’re asking or is that what people have bid it to?

Asking and getting are two very different things.

[AFJon]

now bid to $1136. Most bidders have between 1 and 5 feedback FWIT.

[thrawnformbi]

missing recoil pads eh?






Imgur: The magic of the Internet

---------- Post added at 01:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:53 PM ----------

Im a newbie at this but those serial #'s look off on that gunbroker rifle. The F prefix was apparently '44-45 and that guns marked as a '41?

[Lee Enfield]

Hello all and thank you for letting me join the forum. I'm new to the Enfield world but have always wanted one of these iconic rifles. Unfortunately, I didnt do enough research and when I saw this rifle in my local shop I immediately decided I wanted it. Spur of the moment will be the death of me.*

I'm unclear on this mismatch of serial #'s and markings. I've done a fair amount of investigating and eventually found a JJCO stamp (rats!) and that immediately sent up a red flag of panic. The damn thing was hiding (see pic) and I didn't spot it in the shop. The condition was excellent and we were all gushing over it in the shop - but now I'm realizing that this was most likely one of their janky rebuilds.*

I'm very familiar with the John Covino shop in NYC and was aghast when I made the connection. It's a terribly run shop these days and a notoriously unfriendly/unhelpful place. I wonder if you all would mind sharing some insights if you have any. I'm not too familiar with Enfields so this is all new territory for me. Im incredibly concerned that its missing the brass recoil pads but I may be wrong. I've put maybe 30-40 rounds through it and it shot wonderfully but I'm concerned about its longevity without them.

Many thanks for all of your help. I made a little wrap for the stock - I'm sure it might offend some purists but I like doing it so what can I say. There are ZERO markings on the stock however so no information is lurking behind that bridle leather.*

PICS BELOW!

https://imgur.com/a/HVKheqi

John Jovino purchased and imported ALL of the complete rifles and parts in stock - looking at your photos I believe that your rifle was one of the complete rifles - certainly it was a matching barreled action.

Have you removed the leather on the butt stock?

Your serial number, action, bolt and rear sight are all 1941 dated, your fore-end is 1942 dated - this would all be proper for a 1941 Lithgow.

what is the date on your barrel?

[thrawnformbi]

Sure did. What looks to be a SLAZ 44 on the butt and a large L towards the brass plate.