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Just received an ishapore no1 Mk3* + bayonet from my father. It's a Z marked serial number and everything is crossed out and force matched even up to 4 cross outs. Scrubbed bolt side of the collar with "No1 Mk3 *" stamped on the safety side vertically. Then under that is 1965. No RFI or GRI markings on the collar or receiver. Still in the storage grease that has dried and caked to the rifle over time. Beautiful bore. Lots of stock splices (6 I believe).
Just wandering if these are ok to shoot. Seems functionally sound from what I can tell. Also any history would be greatly appreciated.
Here is some info for you. I would shoot it if it passed head space.
According to Edwards (India's Enfield) The first FR program at Ishapore started in 1922 (until 1932) and was restarted in 1941and continued into the 1970s. The complete scrubbing or receivers is associated with this program starting in '41 (so well before independence).
Edwards says: "...Both MkIII and MkIII* receivers were used and had all existing marks removed....New Ishapore barrels were fitted as were new rear sight bases and sight leaves....All weapons were renumbered. Based on our analysis it appears that this numbering began with the "Z" series and worked backwards in the alphabet....Both newly manufactured as well as refurbished/repaired wood were used as the furniture for all these weapons..."(p69)
The commerce which maybe carried on with the people inhabiting the line you will pursue renders a knowledge of these people important ~Thomas Jefferson~ (to- Lewis and Clark)
Happy Birthday, what a nice rifle that you'll remember for a long time. I've shot mine many times and they're very accurate.
I'd really like to see a picture of your bayonet giving me an idea what to shop for to make mine complete.
Again, a very nice gift from dad.
Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it.
Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft.
Theodore Roosevelt
The commerce which maybe carried on with the people inhabiting the line you will pursue renders a knowledge of these people important ~Thomas Jefferson~ (to- Lewis and Clark)
Got my headspace gauge from okie today. I think it passes headspace??? It hits a little resistance before the bolt closes fully but I can definitely close it without much force. Is this normal? What are you guys getting when you are headspacing your enfields?
House Beagle wrote:Got my headspace gauge from okie today. I think it passes headspace??? It hits a little resistance before the bolt closes fully but I can definitely close it without much force. Is this normal? What are you guys getting when you are headspacing your enfields?
It should not close at all on a no-go gauge. Check to see what number is is on your bolt head. They do make other sizes depending on what you have.
It's just weird because, between my dad and I, we have 3 303 enfields all with matching bolts. All 3 of them fail with the no-go gauge. 2 of the 3 we have shot previously.
Happy Birthday, Beagle,
Did you actually say you hit 23!??!!! Congratulations, I barely remember being that age!
Enjoy each day 'cause it goes quickly. Nice birthday gift, by the way.
That is why I don't like owning just a no go guage. If it fails, you are left wondering. If headspace fails with a field guage then you know it can't go any further.
Great old rifles. Neat that we can pick up and hold an actual piece of history, however dark it may or may not be. SMLE's made in England, Australia, and India are among the most popular surplus rifles. I bought a Lithgow this weekend from another exhibitor at the Swift Current, SK gun show. There is just something about the old girls that sends out the "come and get me" signal.
GOOD RIDDANCE LGR!! If there isn't a gun range in heaven, then I'm going to hell.
Germans who wish to use firearms should join the SS or the SA - ordinary citizens don't need guns, as their having guns doesn't serve the State. Heinrich Himmler
I have a No.5 carbine. It closes on the No gauge, but is fine on the field gauge. I tested it after maybe 46 years of owning it and firing it (took it hunting every year for 5 years).
If your worried, send it to me with 20 rounds, I'll fire it!
Or put it in a tire and fire it with a long string .....D
docbob wrote:Happy Birthday, Beagle,
Did you actually say you hit 23!??!!! Congratulations, I barely remember being that age!
Enjoy each day 'cause it goes quickly. Nice birthday gift, by the way.
Oh heck, I though he meant 123. You mean he hasn't "flipped" the "odometer" over yet!...D
bunkysdad wrote:That is why I don't like owning just a no go guage. If it fails, you are left wondering. If headspace fails with a field guage then you know it can't go any further.
Do the above. Get a field gauge and check it. If it passes the field gauge then I'd shoot it. If it doesn't, like stated above you know you'll have to change bolt heads. Beware though, not all bolt heads index alike. I think it took me buying 5 or 6 different bolt heads to get one to index on the bolt body properly and give me proper headspace.
Most good sellers will give their bolt head measurement. Measure yours with a micrometer, and you'll know what sizes to eliminate.
A couple of very good articles I found back when I was researching headspace. I didn't have the links to them when I posted above while I was at work. The first one is about headspace, and the second one is about fitting bolts for proper headspace.
Happy Birthday also!!! 
