Today we have a very odd BSA prototype Long Lee rifle. The details of its production are unknown, but it has good provenance; the Charnwood Ordnance collection. What makes the rifle unusual is a unique style of split charger guide unlike either the SMLE type fixed guides or the earlier CLLE guides mounted to the bolt head. It has commercial proof markings, and nothing on the receiver socket. An interesting mystery rifle for you Lee Enfield enthusiasts…
Anti-Tank Rifles
Vintage Saturday: The Mustache is Mightier than the Machine Gun
Polish soldier on the line near Gazala, Libya – February 1942. Armed with a Browning M1919A4 and a Boys AT rifle in the truck as well.
Book review
Headstamp’s Second Book! Thorneycroft to SA80: British Bullpup Firearms
I am very excited to be able to announce that Headstamp Publishing’s second book, “Thorneycroft to SA80” is now in stock and shipping! As the name suggests, this is a study of British bullpup firearms, […]
Bolt Action Rifles
L8(T) Enfield: The British Army Fails to Make a Sniper
We looked at the 7.62mm conversion of the No4 Enfield into Rifle L8 yesterday. Part of that program was an attempt to develop a new sniper rifle on the L8 platform. To this end, six […]
I’m curious how a rifle from the Charnwood Ordnance collection ended up in Ian’s house? Did Ian buy it somewhere along the line? Another collector lend it?
Perhaps related to this patent as seen on Espacenet
GB190514587 (A) – Improvements in Certain Parts of Magazine-rifles
BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS CO LTD; GEORGE NORMAN
1906-01-18
“14,587. Birmingham Small Arms Co., and Norman, G. July 15. Breech actions, sliding breech-block. -Relates to guides for the cartridge chargers or clips attached to rifles of the Lee – Enfield and similar types. The right – hand guide, which is usually connected to the breech-bolt, is, according to the present invention, attached to the body a and made of the form shown at e in the sectional view, Fig. 3, having on its inner side a clearance or passage f so that the head of the bolt can pass through to allow the bolt to be fully withdrawn.”
So, when can we look forward to the 1000th Lee Enfield posting by Ian? Laughter.
You best start believing in Enfield stories…..You’re in one.
It is very interesting, especially, to see how the developers consistently went to the solutions that can be seen in the final versions.
Judging by the cutouts on the sides of the receiver, they already knew (or guessed) about the problem with the brass breaks.