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Ol Man Beezer
Groupie Joined: November 08 2020 Location: Cleveland, OH Status: Offline Points: 56 |
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Posted: November 08 2020 at 9:45am |
Good afternoon all, I came across this forum today researching an Ishapore SMLE #1 mk3 I picked up yesterday at a gun show. Serial number is J88961 and is stamped on the receiver, bolt, nosepiece and on the stock near the bayonet lug. I’m curious of some of the markings and what you guys can tell me about it. I had it out this morning and it was shooting very nicely. The bolt in my opinion is smoother than my Mausers.
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A square 10
Special Member Donating Member Joined: December 12 2006 Location: MN , USA Status: Offline Points: 14452 |
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looks like an original RFI made rifle to me - no messed with stuff but i just glanced through , perhaps some one else sees something different , i think you got a good one
oh , the last photo is importer markings as required by law
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Ol Man Beezer
Groupie Joined: November 08 2020 Location: Cleveland, OH Status: Offline Points: 56 |
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I was able to decipher the importer markings. I see there is more stamping a under the hand guards. I will try and get photos of them if it will help. I was surprised to score this gem, my first Enfield, for only $125.
I have a fondness for some of the WWII rifles. I normally take my M1 carbine with me whenever I go to the range to let anyone shoot it. The Enfield gave me the same school boy smile when I shot it this morning. Any and all tips and tricks to keep the ol gal up and running would be appreciated. I know the carbine inside and out and have filled data sheets out for it. Is there anything like that for Enfield’s?
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A square 10
Special Member Donating Member Joined: December 12 2006 Location: MN , USA Status: Offline Points: 14452 |
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please know most of the hidden markings will most likely be inspection marks , there is not a lot to be learned from them save it passed inspection and is approved , you might find a replacement marking for a barrel but i doubt that very much ,
scan the archives to learn on the upkeep and such , a lot of great info is compiled in those volumes , but i suspect someone will happen along with extra good info here , we are a helpful bunch and jovial as well so expect some levity along the way ,
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The Armourer
Senior Member Joined: June 23 2019 Location: Y Felinhelli Status: Offline Points: 1246 |
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Just a couple of points :
If this is your first Enfield No1 Mk3, DO NOT strip it down without learning the correct procedure and order of disassembly. Removing the parts in the wrong order, or pulling at the wrong angle can totally destroy both the accuracy and the woodwork. Hopefully if you have already 'played with it' you read up first. You have a 'good one'. In 1948 India got independence from the UK and decided to change the steel specification for the No1 Mk3 rifles which led to weak actions and revised testing procedures (the only way to get them to 'pass'). Yours is a 1948 and one of the last UK specified steel 'good ones'. Nice looking rifle - and the No1 Mk3 still (after 100 years) holds the record for being the fastest bolt action rifle in the world. The origins of the 'mad minute' competition : A world record of 38 hits, all within the 24 inch target at 300 yards (2.25 mils/ 7.6 moa), is said to have been set in about 1914 by a Sergt.-Instructor Snoxall.
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Ol Man Beezer
Groupie Joined: November 08 2020 Location: Cleveland, OH Status: Offline Points: 56 |
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One of the first things I did when I got it was to read up as much as possible on disassembly. I have gone as far as removing the bolt for inspection of the rifling and cleaning. When I have a bit more time on my hands I will get a bit more into disassembly and cleaning, I can see gobs of grease/creosote in places. The wood looks to be in very good shape with the fingers still present on the hand guards.
What do you recommend for reference material on the enfield? I’m curious if there are any books dedicated the the enfield’s similar to “War Baby” for the M1 Carbines. It tells the history, dates parts were made by what contractors and spec sizes for all parts. Thanks for the advise so far. I’m feeling great about my purchase.
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Shamu
Admin Group Logo Designer / Donating Member Joined: April 25 2007 Location: MD, USA. Status: Offline Points: 17603 |
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If you need I have a .PDF with step-by-step full dismantling heavily illustrated. Its too big to upload here, but if you PM me an e-mail I'll be glad to send you a copy.
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Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Zed
Special Member Donating Member Joined: May 01 2012 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 5585 |
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Looks like a very nice Ishapore Enfield; and a steal for 125 dollars!
Welcome to the forum
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It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice!
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Honkytonk
Senior Member Joined: December 30 2017 Location: Brandon Mb Status: Offline Points: 4770 |
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Welcome from Brandon Manitoba, Canada! Nice rifle!
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A square 10
Special Member Donating Member Joined: December 12 2006 Location: MN , USA Status: Offline Points: 14452 |
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"..... can see gobs of grease/creosote in places. ..."
that would be cosmolene , used to preserve and prevent rust in extended storage ,
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Ol Man Beezer
Groupie Joined: November 08 2020 Location: Cleveland, OH Status: Offline Points: 56 |
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you are correct, cosmoline. I just got done talking to the guy cleaning my chimney and he must have said creosote about 30 times. Cosmoline is always fun to clean and remove.
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Shamu
Admin Group Logo Designer / Donating Member Joined: April 25 2007 Location: MD, USA. Status: Offline Points: 17603 |
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Alcohol, (Yellow Heet) dissolves it rapidly. Just remember to re oil immediately afterwards because it strips right down removing all protection.
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Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Ol Man Beezer
Groupie Joined: November 08 2020 Location: Cleveland, OH Status: Offline Points: 56 |
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I’ve had good luck using mineral spirits and immediately using tung oil. Hang it dry and repeat with the oil.
As far as bolt lubrication, do you follow the rules of grease on sliding metal on metal and oil everyplace else?
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Ol Man Beezer
Groupie Joined: November 08 2020 Location: Cleveland, OH Status: Offline Points: 56 |
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Shamu, Thank you for your step by step instructions, I have been dealing with a case of the COVID and finally had enough energy to take the Rifle apart and clean/oil it properly. Your .PDF was very helpful. I’m loving this rifle even more after getting to know her inside and out.
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