Darkemp
Ultimate Member
For all C&R lovers and those who may peruse the Classifieds occasionally or just like a good story- the reputation of one of my arms was put into question recenty and somewhat publicly. An individual used what they described as an “impromptu” field gauge to challenge the condition (since I was present I can ascertain the item used was actually a Snap Cap, I have those also for much of my collection) of both the chamber headspace as well as the crown of the barrel.
My rifle was subjected to some humiliation- could it really be a safety issue after all the time and care in the collection? I wanted find out the correct way and never misrepresent the condition as I believed it to be fine so I set out to do just that.
This experience took me on a journey back into the world of the SMLE that I had long since forgotten - I bought this one in 2011 and recall clearly that I had shot it then quite accurately (No Mad Minute) but it was accurate as expected and perfectly functional. Could it have degraded over the last 12 years in a climate and humidity controlled environment?
My searchings led me to recall the correct process to determine whether safe to fire- a set of .303 British gauges- available in GO, NO GO, and FIELD. I then relearned that traditionally the FIELD gauge was most useful, as it would definitely prove whether the headspace was safe.
Luckily there exists a company, Forster Products, who produces exactly that- a professional .303 British FIELD HEADSPACE gauge. My credit card was a flutter and before I knew it I had an order confirmation!
Tonight that gauge arrived and out from a safe came the old English girl- I carefully retracted the bolt, slid the gauge into the chamber as directed. Curiosity overwhelmed me as I attempted to close the bolt- and guess what- it wouldn’t close on the FIELD Gauge.
Next I used an old approach on the muzzle- simply drop a 174gr .303 round head first into the muzzle- not as scientific but nor did it swallow the jacketed area which is a good thing. Also- the barrel as I recalled better after rereading my 2011 thread here was part of the FTR rearsenal and not 1914 original, makes sense that it would be and likely why it’s well preserved.
I got a laugh out of all of this- hopefully if you ever experience similar you do the same as I did and don’t take the word of someone with an “improvised” tool, but seek out the correct answer for yourselves.
Hope you enjoyed and Cheers.
My rifle was subjected to some humiliation- could it really be a safety issue after all the time and care in the collection? I wanted find out the correct way and never misrepresent the condition as I believed it to be fine so I set out to do just that.
This experience took me on a journey back into the world of the SMLE that I had long since forgotten - I bought this one in 2011 and recall clearly that I had shot it then quite accurately (No Mad Minute) but it was accurate as expected and perfectly functional. Could it have degraded over the last 12 years in a climate and humidity controlled environment?
My searchings led me to recall the correct process to determine whether safe to fire- a set of .303 British gauges- available in GO, NO GO, and FIELD. I then relearned that traditionally the FIELD gauge was most useful, as it would definitely prove whether the headspace was safe.
Luckily there exists a company, Forster Products, who produces exactly that- a professional .303 British FIELD HEADSPACE gauge. My credit card was a flutter and before I knew it I had an order confirmation!
Tonight that gauge arrived and out from a safe came the old English girl- I carefully retracted the bolt, slid the gauge into the chamber as directed. Curiosity overwhelmed me as I attempted to close the bolt- and guess what- it wouldn’t close on the FIELD Gauge.
Next I used an old approach on the muzzle- simply drop a 174gr .303 round head first into the muzzle- not as scientific but nor did it swallow the jacketed area which is a good thing. Also- the barrel as I recalled better after rereading my 2011 thread here was part of the FTR rearsenal and not 1914 original, makes sense that it would be and likely why it’s well preserved.
New to Me C&R Goodness!
Now I'm on page 2 of my bound book... Top: 1914 Enfield SMLE No.1 Mk.III FTR marked. Picked this up Saturday at the Frederick show, got most of the cosmo out already. Bore, metal, and wood all in very good condition. All numbers matching. Bottom: 1945 Izhevsk M44 which I got from my...
www.mdshooters.com
I got a laugh out of all of this- hopefully if you ever experience similar you do the same as I did and don’t take the word of someone with an “improvised” tool, but seek out the correct answer for yourselves.
Hope you enjoyed and Cheers.
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