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Re: SMLE Breechbolt head keeps coming off the rail

Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2013 9:04 am
by HALODIN
Hi Rearlugs,

Thanks for the information, very interesting. I was told the pieces that made up my rifle were double wrapped in brown paper covered in gun grease by the military, I assumed that meant all pieces, but perhaps that didn't extend to the bolt and the receiver. When I speak to the RFD, I'll try and find out more about it's history.

Regards,

Craig.

Re: SMLE Breechbolt head keeps coming off the rail

Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2013 9:48 am
by dromia
As rearlugs has said with the markings on the the receiver you have it was never a military contract one.

Unless I was just looking for a shooter I would personally steer away from most of the rebuilds on the market if I was wanting any kind of historical accuracy. There is absolutely nothing wrong with rebuilds as they make more rifles available to shooters however one needs to be very circumspect as to the provenance of such rifles as its not so much what the sellers say about the rifle as what they don't say that makes part of that market suspect.

I hope that you get that rifle replaced and enjoy shooting 303.

Re: SMLE Breechbolt head keeps coming off the rail

Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2013 12:04 pm
by HALODIN
Yes that's usually the case! Chris is a nice bloke, I'm sure we can put this right between us.

What do you mean by historical accuracy? Does that mean it's better or worse than expected?

Thanks. I'm still pleased I chose a .303 as my first rifle, she'll come good in the end!

Cheers,

Craig.
dromia wrote:As rearlugs has said with the markings on the the receiver you have it was never a military contract one.

Unless I was just looking for a shooter I would personally steer away from most of the rebuilds on the market if I was wanting any kind of historical accuracy. There is absolutely nothing wrong with rebuilds as they make more rifles available to shooters however one needs to be very circumspect as to the provenance of such rifles as its not so much what the sellers say about the rifle as what they don't say that makes part of that market suspect.

I hope that you get that rifle replaced and enjoy shooting 303.

Re: SMLE Breechbolt head keeps coming off the rail

Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2013 12:17 pm
by HALODIN
I've just spoken with Chris and he couldn't have been more helpful. He has offered to swap the rifle if I prefer. 10/10. I'm going to see him on Saturday morning, so it will be sorted soon. :goodjob:

Re: SMLE Breechbolt head keeps coming off the rail

Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2013 12:28 pm
by ovenpaa
Chris is always very good to deal with and I still think the .303 is a good first rifle.

Re: SMLE Breechbolt head keeps coming off the rail

Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2013 12:30 pm
by HALODIN
:good:
ovenpaa wrote:I still think the .303 is a good first rifle.

Re: SMLE Breechbolt head keeps coming off the rail

Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2013 3:30 pm
by bnz41
Hi
Can you swap the rifle, will you not have to get a one for one variation to exchange your rifle for a new one, unless you have another spare slot for a .303 just a thought...

Re: SMLE Breechbolt head keeps coming off the rail

Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2013 3:45 pm
by HALODIN
Yes unfortunately it will be a 1-4-1. One possible workaround that was suggested to me is to apply for a temporary certificate, but I'm not sure if Northants will issue one, but it's worth a try.
bnz41 wrote:Hi
Can you swap the rifle, will you not have to get a one for one variation to exchange your rifle for a new one, unless you have another spare slot for a .303 just a thought...

Re: SMLE Breechbolt head keeps coming off the rail

Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 3:47 pm
by huntervixen
I guess it's a personal thing, re-built as opposed to original, personally I like my Enfields to have seen service with King and country!