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.303 U.S. ??

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Goosic View Drop Down
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    Posted: March 22 2020 at 2:17pm
I have been looking for a No4 barrel because the faux No4 T rifles barrel is not looking too good. I found one a few weeks ago on eBay for $49.95 listed as a display or project. It also stated that the bore was very dark and full of crud. I recieved the barrel Friday and sure enough, it looked like a sewer pipe.  I sealed the muzzle end and made a mixture of PB Blaster,Remington bore cleaner,and Hoppes #9,poured that down the barrel and let it sit for a day. Yesterday I unsealed it and slowly worked bronze bore brushes through the bore and then flushed with boiling water. Repeated the sealing and filling of rust remover and then letting it sit overnight. A few hours ago I did the unsealing and brushing the bore out. I flushed with boiling water and then ran dry patches through the bore. I used pin gauges for the lands.  .3035"  I checked the grooves and that measured at .314"  Now, I found a stamp near the muzzle,   .303 u.s.. I've never seen that on an Enfield.  Besides the obvious crossed flags,can anyone decipher the other stampings for me?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 22 2020 at 2:29pm
Well its Brit proofed (crossed flags). I'm guessing 1917?
That looks like a Pre 1968 U.S. Import stamp for a British .303.
The only other choice I can think of would be an American Enfield barrel for a P-14, but it just doesn't look right?
 A 1917 British .303 would be a SMLE though, they are 180° from a No4 Barrel in alignment!
is there anything to indicate it once had a rear sight on it?
Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Goosic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 22 2020 at 2:35pm
It is definitely a No4Mk1, No4Mk2 barrel.  I have a No4 receiver and it threaded onto it nicely for a test fit.  A 303 cartridge case fits the chamber as one should. I,until now,have never seen 303 u.s. stamped on an Enfield barrel...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 22 2020 at 2:43pm
Its an early Import mark. Before GCA '68 (thanks Billary) they went to the later horrible "billboard" ones.
Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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