Enfields in wet weather

[Gaz]

A question. I've heard quite a few people say things along the lines of "don't shoot Enfields in the rain or they'll blow up." Usually the story goes that the rear-locking action allows water ingress into the chamber, which raises pressures beyond the safe maximum upon firing. I've heard more than one person claim to know somebody whose Enfield let go while being fired in wet weather.

Here's the thing. I'm sceptical. Why would a service rifle, designed and presumably tested for use in all weathers, be susceptible to rain?

Is this another urban myth scare story like the NRA's ridiculous "all 7.62 No.4s are inherently dangerous" warning that was doing the rounds a few years ago?

From personal experience all I can say is that I've fired my No.4 in damp weather a couple of times and haven't noticed any obvious pressure signs on the fired cases. I haven't yet risked it in proper rain, just in case.

[PaulR]

Gaz,

I've heard this one too, seems that in exceptional circumstances wet ammo has led to breech explosions. Something to do with the compressibility (none) of water.

I could see how pressures could build up if the case is not able to expand as it would normally. Saying that, if the full history of the firearm that have let go was known, you'd probably find that the chambers were weaker in some way due to age, poor metallurgy etc etc.

A bit of rain never bothered the poor old Tommies in 1914-1918 and in the last little European disagreement between 1939-45

Rgds

PaulR

[Steve]

I've stood in almost monsoon conditions at Barton road and my Enfield didnt blow up. Then again i was so cold and miserable i might have welcomed a bit of heat.

[Sandgroper]

A bit of rain never bothered the poor old Tommies in 1914-1918 and in the last little European disagreement between 1939-45

Or in the jungles of Burma and South East Asia!

[Steve E]

They don't blow up but what does happen is that the grouping ability of the rear locking action suffers if the ammunition gets wet and even more so if water gets between the action and the woodwork/bedding. Also If the ammunition gets wet the chamber pressures can increase (this can happen with any action).
Shooting No1s and No4s in the rain is easy, just cover the action with a chamois leather to prevent ingrees of water and keep your ammunition dry for consistant results.
I shot in the rain yesterday afternoon at Bisley with my No4 conversion at 900yds (Trafalger Meeting, won the 900yds Transitional target rifle with a 71.7) and held a 3/4'' elevation by keeping the action covered with a chamois and the ammunition dry. Other shooters using No4 conversions and Mauser conversions just let every thing get wet and most could barely hold the aiming mark. When its wet keep everything dry.

True a bit of rain (or even a lot of it) did not bother bother Tommies in WW1 and WW2 but then they were hardly trying to shoot to a minute and a half of angle over long distances. They did understand the importance of keeping everything as dry as possible though.

[dromia]

When I used to shoot competitively all my historic rifles had pump grease packed between the wood and the metal and this prevented water ingress and the wood warping problems, it made the rifles them selves all weather shooters. The addition of pump grease never changed the point of aim or grouping ability of the rifles but you did have to be careful when tightening the action to the wood that it bedded up evenly.

Then it was just a case of keeping the ammunition and action dry for which I used a piece of oiled cloth.

Just to show how things have "progressed" I went to grease my latest shooter, a 7mm OVS Boer Mauser, I shoot at Diggle and wet is the norm there. Upon getting out the pump grease drum I found it almost empty and that which was left was looking a bit tired so I blithely went along to my local auto shop for replenishment. Upon asking the fellow he looked at me oddly in silence as though wondering what was wrong with me and then informed me that water pumps were all sealed now and he hadn't stocked pump grease for over 20 years.

The buggers will leave nothing alone, no one sent me a letter about it.

Anyway I did manage to track some down and got in a stock of 1lb tubs, no gallon drums though.

I won't be caught short again, thank goodness for classic cars.

[ovenpaa]

Regardless of rifle it is good practice to keep ammunition as dry as possible, I drape a towel or chamois over the action and try and keep my ammunition under cover along with keeping my fingers as dry as possible to minimise the introduction of moisture to the chamber as it certainly upsets the point of impact.

On those rare days of full sunlight I also keep my ammunition under cover to prevent it getting too warm and keep the loaded round in the chamber for as short a period as possible.

[huntervixen]

Interesting one Gaz,

I believe the SMLE No1 Mk3* had a slightly larger chamber for jam prevention, mud, water etc...(I don't know if thats fact.....or did I dream it)

If thats the case would wet cartridges cause more or less pressure than other Enfield marks??

Also, what effect would an oiled cartridge have...same as water...or worse?

Answers on a post card please.

I'll try loosing off a couple of rounds in the shower and report back!

[PaulR]

I'll try loosing off a couple of rounds in the shower and report back!

If you can still type......and watch out for richochets........... smile2 smile2

[huntervixen]

I'll try loosing off a couple of rounds in the shower and report back!

If you can still type......and watch out for richochets........... smile2 smile2

Bloody shower gel....I've dropped my SMLE and the 22" bayonet has gone through the shower tray!!