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Here are some of the details of my newest acquisition; a No. 2 pattern B.S.A. Co. manufactured Lee Enfield.

I believe it is a No. 2 pattern as it does not have a barrel rib or engraving (the hallmarks of a No. 1 Model), however, it does have the flat top, swept-back carbine type bolt handle, as well as a horn fore-end cap and horn pistol-grip cap and is well chequered.

The rifle is fitted with a 21 ½” round barrel. The top of the Knox form, which is of Enfield, and not Metford type, has the standard 3 stacked rifles BSA logo on it, while the left side of the barrel has the standard 1916 era Birmingham proof marks thereon. The top of the barrel, ahead of the rear sight, is inlaid with silver (platinum?) and inscribed: Proved & Sighted for the Mark VII .303 High Velocity Cartridge (As shown in “A Lee Speed Sporter, B.S.A. Co. turn-of-the-century quality” article in Arms & Militaria Collector No. 22)

The receiver, which is marked B.S.A. Co. on the right action strap, is fitted with a Lyman receiver sight of unknown model (PA July 11-1911) and the Mk III SMLE charger bridge (an extra cost of 3/9).

The bolt dust shroud was removed, along with its locking lugs, likely when the charger loading guide was fitted. The rear sight is the standard B.S.A. cape sight, i.e., 1 standing 100 yard leaf, folding leaves for 200 and 300 yards & a flip up ladder sight for 400 to 1,000 yards, however, the fixed 100 yard leaf was removed, likely at the same time as the peep sight was fitted. The front sight appears to be of military type, although the bead appears to be a platinum bead.

The rifle carries the standard 5 round fish-belly magazine. Does anyone know what the two holes at the bottom rear of the magazine are for?

The stock is fitted with the large eye sling swivel studs, the front of which is used to attach the front barrel band. The rifle also came with an original reddish-brown canvas sling, with brass furniture (2” wide) and the original sling swivel hooks!). The LOP is 14”. There is what appears to be a 1 shilling silver coin (GEORGE V KING EMPEROR) let into the right had side of the stock, along with a small compass, that actually points North. The old recoil pad is rotted and will be replaced with an original silvers Anti-Recoil pad, hopefully leather-covered.

Unfortunately, the rifle is not fitted with the BSA sliding tang safety; it is fitted with the Long Lee type bolt-mounted safety, nor with the Punchard’s magazine filler lever attachment, which I believe was superseded by the addition of the charger loading guide.

The only serial number that I have been able to locate is on the rear action strap on the right-hand side, which carries the same number as the bolt handle.

After cleaning the bore for 7 days with Wipe-Out, (my favourite bore-cleaner for the past 2 years) the patches have finally quit coming out with big hunks of blue goop on them and are now clean. The bore is almost pristine :-))

Now, if it would only warm up a bit, as I don’t much relish the thought of going to the range, with –40 C temps.

Hopefully, I can figure out how to upload some photos of her.

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