New Enfield Fan

[stratocaster]

It all started last November when a No.4Mk2 followed me home from the local gunshop. Then I picked up another No.4Mk2 followed by a No.1 MkIII when they showed up on the local gun forum for a good price. I've been an M1903 shooter for years but have always admired the Enfield. Both No.4's are Fazarkerleys from 1952-53. The No.1 is a 1963 RFI build. I went with the post-war RFI to hopefully get a better bore that hasn't seen corrosive ammo and more modern metallurgy in the receiver. I'm scrounging reloadable 303 brass, got the dies, and bought a case of Privi Partisan 150 gr. ammo and a sight pusher to help with zero-ing. to get started. I've been reading up on the Enfield and going through this board to find some good info as well. Been fun so far!

Here's the new family.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/stratocastor/WP_000144.jpg

[Beachbumbob]

I got my first Enfield in 1962 and my first M1903 in 1963. My favorite is whichever one I fired last....or want to fire next.....or well you get the idea.

Great weapons.

[Embalmer]

nice looking rifles

[Eddystone3006]

You'll find a lot of sight adjusting will be needed both front and rear when using 150s as the sights were calibrated for 174s. nice rifles!!!!!!

[JB White]

You're off to a good start. Someday we'll tell you how the slings are supposed to go. ;)

[Eddystone3006]

You're off to a good start. Someday we'll tell you how the slings are supposed to go. ;) but not yet!

[stratocaster]

Someday we'll tell you how the slings are supposed to go.....but not yet!


Aha, a clue! Now I will have to look into how to work the sling properly.

As for the 150 gr. bullets, I figure I will just zero for a consistent load and and stick with it. I also procured a set of front site blades so I should be able to get something that is workable even with the battle sight on the No. 4s. Most of my shooting is for 300 yards or less so I should be able to get some good dope on that. The prior owner of the No.1 loaded for 150 gr. as well so that one should be good to go.

[Eddystone3006]

Someday we'll tell you how the slings are supposed to go.....but not yet!


Aha, a clue! Now I will have to look into how to work the sling properly.

As for the 150 gr. bullets, I figure I will just zero for a consistent load and and stick with it. I also procured a set of front site blades so I should be able to get something that is workable even with the battle sight on the No. 4s. Most of my shooting is for 300 yards or less so I should be able to get some good dope on that. The prior owner of the No.1 loaded for 150 gr. as well so that one should be good to go. those blades are your best friend! they make it soo much easier!!!

[4F4Nam]

Very nice looking threesome!

Ed

[stratocaster]

I have been out to the range a few times now and got everything nicely zeroed. I love being to clang even the small steel targets at 200 yards using the battle sight on the No.4s.

[JB White]

A satisfying sound, isn't it? 22's @ 50 or 303's at longer ranges....I like 'em both but the 303's have that certain sound of authority!

Did you figure out that "sling thing" yet? We'll tell you now if you wish. Sorry if you lost any sleep over it. ;)

[Guamsst]

I think you will find an Enfield with a good bore and good ammo will be more accurate than is usually admitted by any of the 03/03A3 lovers. I'll take my Longbranch out this weekend and if the weather holds and my eyes are still good enough I'll see if I cant get 3 shots in one long hole again.

If you haven't noticed, they are very particular about their slings. I have to make sure I never ever post a pic with a mismounted sling. I was told on my first pic I posted here that "You have your fooking sling on wrong side out"

Other than the lead poisoning induced obsessive compulsive behavior relating to slings, this is usually a great place for general Enfield info.

[JB White]

Obsesive compulsive behavior? Just because I use British slings on the rest of my rifles doesn't mean I have a problem! In fact they said I was cured when they released me from the straitjacket.

Seriously though, I do with the exception of Garands and M1917's. Even my 10/22 has an British SLR sling on it. LOL

[Guamsst]

I remember reading an article about a study which attributed odd behavior amongst gun enthusiasts with slight lead poisoning. It basically stated that in general men who had been shooting their whole lives and were in repeated contact with lead had a tendency to become mildly obsessive compulsive. The liberals probably would have jumped all over the report except its final finding was that in almost every case the side affect was a tendency to be very organized and strictly adhere to rules and guidance....LOL

I like the brit slings too. I also bought more guns than I could carry and went and bought a bunch of $5 and $10 slings mostly $5 mosin Nagant slings. The Noisy Maggot slings are great cause you can buckle them onto any gun.

Now hurry up and answer my question about bullet drop.

[JB White]

Now hurry up and answer my question about bullet drop.

I offered an answer but it's not the one you're looking for. Obviously I'm not obsesive compulsive when it comes to sights and ballistics ;)


**I just noticed I'm not obsessive compulsive when it comes to proof reading either. LOL

[stratocaster]

Just added a No.5 jungle carbine to the family, a 1945 Fazarkerley. I will get it out to the range today and see how it does.

[JB White]

Now you need a No5 Wilkinson bayonet. We'll always be here to help you spend your money. :evil6:

[John Sukey]

Looks like you have a Bren gun sling on the bottom rifle judging by the length.

[stratocaster]

Looks like you have a Bren gun sling on the bottom rifle judging by the length.

What is the Bren gun sling length? longer or shorter than the 43" correct length?

[stratocaster]

At the risk of more sling feedback (ok bring it!) here is my new pride and joy to add to the Enfield family, the No.5.

I had a great time at the range today, with decent groups at 100 yards using the ladder sight. I will need to put on a lower front site blade in order to use the battle sight properly. It came with a .075 which is way too tall.

I really like the way this gun handles and shoots. I ran it off stripper clips and enjoyed very smooth operation. The dreaded recoil I've heard about really didn't bother me any more than my other bolt guns. But I was wearing a field jacket and several layers underneath. It may be a different story with just a t shirt this summer...

As for the famous "wandering zero" problem, I haven't seen it, although I did notice the tendency for the king screw to want to shoot loose. I may need to blue Loctite it. Thoughts on that from the collective?

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/stratocastor/WP_000149.jpg

[JB White]

What is the Bren gun sling length? longer or shorter than the 43" correct length?

If memory serves (I don't have one to measure anymore) the length is around 52" inches. I don't remember if that also included the hooks. I could use a refresher if someone has a couple to measure.

Use the Loctite if you want. Blue is perfect. Just make sure that when you reinstall your king screw, you torque it tight. "Gorilla tight" is the oft used expresion.

[stratocaster]

If memory serves (I don't have one to measure anymore) the length is around 52" inches. I don't remember if that also included the hooks. I could use a refresher if someone has a couple to measure.

Use the Loctite if you want. Blue is perfect. Just make sure that when you reinstall your king screw, you torque it tight. "Gorilla tight" is the oft used expresion.


Thanks much for the info JB.

[JB White]

Not a problem. As a tip, when you reinstall your trigger guard just snug the rear screw first. The tightening of the king screw will apply enough torque by flexing the TG that the rear screw will stay put. Solves the problem of buggered screw slots later on.