Lee Metford MkII Rifle………SOLD

 A rare Mk II Lee-Metford Magazine Rifle

A matching example of a fairly rare collectors rifle. Serial number  “3802 D” is stamped into the RHS of the breech, the rear of the bolt handle and the underside of the ladder sight.  The rifle is without its cleaning rod, otherwise it is complete.  .303 Caliber.  The original barrel has the Metford  7 groove rifling which is fairly worn.  Externally this Metford is in fine condition with a  professional refinish which is starting to soften slightly.  The plain walnut stock is lightly oiled and shows a clear stock marking on the RHS, from the top it reads; ” 10 /1893 / R.M Enfield roundel / II /I”  The date ties in with the butt-socket marking on the RHS which reads; “Crown / V.R. /ENFIELD / 1893/ II /  474.”   Lastly confirming this rifle is completely original in its make-up, the butt-plate tang is marked thus; “ crows foot arrow / 24 Enfield inspectors mark /  1 GR / 474″.  The 474 is the gun or rack number.

Interestingly the “GR” marking is not for the Grenadier Guards.  It actually denotes the “The Greys” regiment which was a Canadian regiment, who did serve in the Boer war.  All the dates (1893) match, the “474” is repeated, this all ties up nicely giving the rifle a strong case argument of originality.  The brass butt-plate has a trap for cleaning equipment, with-in which is rather forcibly stuffed, a cord pull-through.  The upper hand guard has two sprung clips to keep it on the barrel fixed buy four brass rivets. Upon removal of the short hand guard it is immediately apparent the that the barrel is original as the serial number is repeated on the RH upper quadrant. On the LH side just clear of the lower stock is a splendid line of clear WD and Enfield inspectors markings.

Correctly, there is not safety catch fitted to this mark of Metford. The bolt is removed by pulling it to its most rearward position and clearing the bolt head of the spring under.  The bolt itself is shrouded by a sprung steel bolt cover which is nicely marked with an Enfield inspectors stamp.  The mark II Metford retains the magazine cut-off.  On the opposite side at the rear of the action, affixed by what we later know as the safety fixing screw is the aperture for the long range volley sight.  This also sports clear crows foot / WD and Enfield inspectors markings.  To match with that rear aperture sight, the front dial and pointer portion of that sight is in position further down the stock on the LHS.  The dial is marked with; ” II – WD – crows foot / WD” toward the muzzle end of the rifle, the dial being graduated from 1600 to 2800 yards.  The pointer is also marked with both inspection stampings.  As mentioned before the cleaning rod channel is empty.

The mid-band has a sling swivel attached and is WD marked.  The rifle is also able to take the M1888 bayonet and the front band doubles as the mounting point for such. Additionally having the stacking hook slung underneath it.  The front face is clearly marked with Enfield and WD markings. The foresight is a plain barley corn type, set on a ramp, with no ability to adjust for windage.  It was set over to the left to counteract for a tendency to shoot left.  The rear sling swivel is screwed straight into the underside of the butt.  The rifle has the standard serrated trigger and a magazine release within the trigger guard.  A removable ten-round magazine is linked to the trigger guard assembly by a single link of chain to avoid loss in the heat of things. There is a dent in the underside of the magazine but this does not detract from the originality of the rifle. ( it could be tapped out if required)  The Mark II metford has a “D-shaped” cocking piece and the hatching to aid grip is still quite defined.

Overall the rifle measures 49.1/8″ in length.  The round blued barrel is approximately  30″ in length.  The trigger Pull is 13.1/2″.  The rifling is soft but uninterrupted.  A competent hand-loader and bullet caster could get this old girl shooting again.  We would not recommend a change of barrel as originality counts for a lot in a type of rifle. The Metfords were getting altered to Enfield rifling within their own period active duty, so to find one unmolested is no bad thing.

 A good collectible early British Bolt Action Rifle which went to the Dominions and has now returned to Britian

Stock No’ f  559

£ 1850….SOLD 

 

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