no1 mk3
Printed From: Enfield-Rifles.com
Category: Enfields
Forum Name: After Market Enfields
Forum Description: What have you done to that Enfield??
URL: http://www.enfield-rifles.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7420
Printed Date: March 26 2026 at 8:19pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.07 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: no1 mk3
Posted By: zmac87
Subject: no1 mk3
Date Posted: March 14 2015 at 5:32pm
| Hey guys I'm new to the group and this is my second enfield. I just picked up a 1918 no1 mk3 smle with 140 rounds. Over all condition is decent. But I noticed it has DP stamped in the wood in front of rear site. It's not stamped any where else on the gun. It locks up tight, the rifling looks great. I've read that the DP stamp is out of commission stamp. Any help is greatly appreciated |
Replies:
Posted By: Shamu
Date Posted: March 15 2015 at 5:36am
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"DP" means Drill Purposes (only). Now you have some research to do as there was no "universal standard" for DP'ing a gun! Its possible that a DP stock was fitted to a good rifle for some reason but you need to check every little thing as not all the things done to make rifle DP were visible to the naked eye. (things like se-tempering metal for example). Good luck with the project. ------------- Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force) |
Posted By: zmac87
Date Posted: March 15 2015 at 5:45am
| Can you shed a light as to what I need to research? The only number that doesn't match is the bolt. I'm still fairly new to enfield rifles. |
Posted By: Shamu
Date Posted: March 15 2015 at 11:16am
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Any other "DP" stamped parts. Some stamps may be concealed. I'd strip the whole thing down for a thorough checkout. ------------- Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force) |
Posted By: zmac87
Date Posted: March 15 2015 at 11:18am
| I just fin is he'd stripping it down looking it over and put it back together. Found no other DP marks anywhere. The gun looks good.I'm thinking that maybe that piece has been replaced at some time |
Posted By: Shamu
Date Posted: March 15 2015 at 12:08pm
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Its possible. Check for things like short firing pin, blocked hole for pin, blocked or barred barrel & so on. Unfortunately things like de-tempering aren't visible. ------------- Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force) |
Posted By: zmac87
Date Posted: March 15 2015 at 12:12pm
| Every thing seems fine. The barrel is the best I've seen on the enfield I own and have handled. The rifling is nice and shiny, no pitting, bolt looks good, firing pin is operational. Would yall be afraid to fire it. Guy I got it from said he has shot it |
Posted By: Shamu
Date Posted: March 16 2015 at 3:18am
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"Afraid" isn't the term I'd use. More like "very cautious" just because. ------------- Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force) |
Posted By: zmac87
Date Posted: March 16 2015 at 3:22am
| Thanks for the help. I got a lead on a very nice sporterized 1917. Hopefully pick it up this weekend. |
Posted By: Sarge
Date Posted: March 16 2015 at 9:01am
As has already been mentioned... the stamping of 'DP' means the weapon has been down-graded from active service for a number of reasons. The weapon must only be used as an instructional aid . 'Drill Purpose'. Any weapon thus down-graded will have stamped into various parts of the metal:- DP... as in the example below... On occasion, the woodwork will also be so stamped... as with your example. During service life, normal use items and 'DP' examples are never mixed.... for obvious reasons. However, once an item has been sold into the civilian market... anything goes. I suspect that this is the case with your item. A previous owner has wanted to replace a worn or broken piece, and only had the 'DP' item to hand. For any weapon you wish to use as a live firer, and find the dreaded 'DP' stamping anywhere upon it... either furniture or working parts.... always use caution, and examine the weapon very closely, looking especially for the 'DP' stamping upon the metal parts. If that stamping is only found upon the furnature, that's ok. If the 'DP' is found on any metal part... before use, have that weapon checked out by a respected and qualified gunsmith. The 'DP' is specific to British weapons, and will not have been placed there for the fun of it. ------------- This is MY rifle, there are many like, but this one... is MINE! |
Posted By: paddyofurniture
Date Posted: March 16 2015 at 10:53am
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If I see a DP marking the rifle is for display use only. ------------- Always looking for military manuals, Dodge M37 items,books on Berlin Germany, old atlases ( before 1946) , military maps of Scotland. English and Canadian gun parts. |
Posted By: Zed
Date Posted: March 16 2015 at 12:09pm
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Apart from the DP on the wood work; you also mention the bolt does not match. If you are happy that the rifle is not actually a DP rifle but only has some DP wood fitted; then you need to check the fit of the bolt. That means checking the contact between both lugs of the bolt and the receiver as well as the head space. If in doubt, get it checked by a professional who knows what to look for in Lee Enfields. ------------- It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice! |