Hello! I just joined the forum and thought I would drop in to say hello. I am going to share my weekend experience unwrapping and cleaning a No4 Mk2 (May 1955 Mummy). I know some of you will cringe, but I really enjoyed the experience and will be hitting the range next week.
All my rifles are shooters (conserved, restored, and sometimes if required reset) — I strive to keep them in excellent condition.
There is a lot of photos so I make a quick link so you can view them on iCloud HERE.
I hope you enjoy the photos and look forward to sharing and learning with the community.
- Unwrapped
- Cleaned cosmoline off (wiped and ultrasonic clean and lube)
- Wiped clean stock with rag and lacquer thinner
- Applied BLO
- cleaned the bore and chamber (brush and patches)
- Boiled butt plate in white vinegar and used steel wool 0000
- reassembled and oiled
Information
Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.
I ordered in some .303 Prvi Partizan 180 gr. I don’t have any idea if that is close to original factory spec though. I picked up a really nice No5. Mk1 also and will be shooting them both. I’ll post some photos/video from the range (100 Yards and 300 Yards).
Sorry for the links — I can’t seem to find a way to directly upload the images, so the iCloud link seems to be quick and easy. Although the link only lasts a month or so.
I am studying up on the sights — apparently the rear sight is set for 400 yards? I was hoping to have an option to set a modern zero — 400 yards is gonna need a fair amount of additional guess work (aim low) with the Kentucky windage.
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I ordered in some .303 Prvi Partizan 180 gr. I don’t have any idea if that is close to original factory spec though.
INo - not anywhere near the original Mil Spes MkVII - Wrong bullet size / shaped, boat tailed, and not cordite - so it has little going for it as all of the ballistics will be different.
I find that the Prvi 174gr FMJ is closer than the 180g 'round nose'
The 174g FMJ shoot high and to the left for me.
You need to ignore the rear sight settings, get onto target, note the ACTUAL marking on the slide and work out (and keep notes of) your sighting table from there.
Mine are not the best, but they are not too bad. I can think of lots of Enfields I'd rather have but instead of constantly striving for more, sometimes it's good to be satisfied with what one has...
I found one a year or so ago, and after a few months of mental deliberation I decided to unwrap it. The truth is, keeping these wrapped indefinitely is not a guarantee at preserving them. Some have changed hands often. If not stored well the grease leaks into the outer packaging and deteriorates it to the point that bolt knobs or muzzles begin to peak out. Some get peeled back to check serials, or have import stamps engraved. Mine had worn finish and surface rust starting to form on the protruding bolt knob, some surface rust forming on the exposed muzzle, and spotty heavy tarnish on the brass buttplate corresponding to holes in the deteriorated packaging. It was time.
Take care of it. Teach your kids how to keep it servicable. With time the value lost in unwrapping will return, and when your great-great grand kids get it, it will very well be be better preserved then some of those wrapped ones that spent the last hundred years forgotten about in damp closet, basement, storage shed, or attic.
Curious as to whether the 180 grain soft points are a flat base. The trajectory will be close to the factory sights and if they are flat base, will most likely perform better than the PPU 174 grain ball which is made to Mk.8 specification with the boat tail projectile. Boat tails are fine in a barrel that's new but in most used service Lees, not so much.
I found one a year or so ago, and after a few months of mental deliberation I decided to unwrap it. The truth is, keeping these wrapped indefinitely is not a guarantee at preserving them. Some have changed hands often. If not stored well the grease leaks into the outer packaging and deteriorates it to the point that bolt knobs or muzzles begin to peak out. Some get peeled back to check serials, or have import stamps engraved. Mine had worn finish and surface rust starting to form on the protruding bolt knob, some surface rust forming on the exposed muzzle, and spotty heavy tarnish on the brass buttplate corresponding to holes in the deteriorated packaging. It was time.
Take care of it. Teach your kids how to keep it servicable. With time the value lost in unwrapping will return, and when your great-great grand kids get it, it will very well be be better preserved then some of those wrapped ones that spent the last hundred years forgotten about in damp closet, basement, storage shed, or attic.
and welcome to milsurps!
Those are exactly my thoughts on it too — how long is too long for the wrap, it was coming up on 75 years and as you stated some areas were exposed. The butt plate needed some work for sure. Unfortunately, I do have an import stamp on the front barrel — not real noticeable. I documented everything and did my best with photos and video to share the experience with future generataions.
I plan on forming a gun/family trust to pass them on to future generations — whether my kids or my brother’s. In fact my brother will keep watch as the first steward after I am gone. I really don’t want the collection ending up in an estate sale…. Seen some of those. My goal is to ensure they are watched over by someone in the family which a genuine interest and will care for them. I have a lot on my mind as to not make it easy to sell everything off, but flexible enough to allow it in some circumstances. I really need to find and example of one done up and hire and attorney.
---------- Post added at 02:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:54 PM ----------
Originally Posted by Alan de Enfield
INo - not anywhere near the original Mil Spes MkVII - Wrong bullet size / shaped, boat tailed, and not cordite - so it has little going for it as all of the ballistics will be different.
I find that the Prvi 174gr FMJ is closer than the 180g 'round nose'
The 174g FMJ shoot high and to the left for me.
You need to ignore the rear sight settings, get onto target, note the ACTUAL marking on the slide and work out (and keep notes of) your sighting table from there.
Very helpful, thank you!
---------- Post added at 03:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:55 PM ----------
Originally Posted by Brian Dickicon View Post
Curious as to whether the 180 grain soft points are a flat base.
off (wiped and ultrasonic clean and lube)
PM
Originally Posted by P0H0
