L59A1 example of the last of the Lee Enfields

[p246]

Thought I post pics of my L59A1. Lots of info about them on the net. Short story last of L.E. made with sole purpose of being a drill rifle that could not be turned back into a working rifle. Pictures of overall gun, cut in barrel/wood in front of chamber, cut out of receiver at locking lugs, face of training bolt. Gun functions with dummy rounds. Enjoy

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No firing pin...

[JB White]

No firing pin, or has it been cut back?

Nice shape for what it has been through. (Cadets and all...)

Almost bought one at Simpson's Ltd. years ago. I felt it was too high priced for the condition it was in. Battered and rusted in spots. If memory serves, the cutout on that one was painted red and the bolt was marked with red as an additional warning.
Not nearly as good looking as yours.

[p246]

Thanks for clarifying that, the firing pin is clipped techically. More pics of the bolt included.

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[p246]

The serial number throughout this example is 37705. I assume this was force matched since the L59A1 was made out of existing stock. I paid $200.00 for this example. Based on what I've seen this is a pretty good price for its condition. It's still a none shooting drill rifle but the extents the Brits went to make sure the rifle can not be put back into service is facinating. I'm sure some folks think drill rifles are silly since you can't shoot them. I find them interesting.

Theories abound but the two most common is to prevent the I.R.A. from converting rifles back to working order, or to prevent civilians from doing the same. Personally I believe the first, but a little of both might be true. Peter Laidler has a very good article on this rifle.

This particular rifle appears to have led a charmed life. Just not that many handling marks on it. I don't think the cadets got to use it a lot. No import marks so who knows the story on this bird.

[JB White]

I remember my first dedicated drill rifle.



It's long gone as are the few I picked up along the way. Bought them just to take a look for myself with the full intention of passing them along to others with similar interests. Just not my forte' but definitely worth the effort.
The L59 and the much earlier Martini Fencing Musket are my favorites as far as display and conversation are concerned.

Don't know if youre fixing it or not as I type, but your last photo session isn't posting up.

[p246]

Just saw that let me try and re do it. Pop ups are killing my IPAD. That fencing musket is exactly the type of training stuff I really enjoy.

[JB White]

Borrowed this photo from IMA-USA. Only to show those unfamiliar with the fencing musket. There are a few variations out there.

http://cdn1.ima-usa.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/88decfed4fba5801a7dc8e03047eb978/n/b/nb1907__1.jpg

Skip that as the photo is overly large. Took this from Rifleman.org.uk. Much nicer photo and it fits better.



Thanks to IMA all the same. I left the link intact without the img codes.

[p246]

Borrowed this photo from IMA-USA. Only to show those unfamiliar with the fencing musket. There are a few variations out there.

I saw that on there site but it's a little pricey.

[JB White]

LOL! I set a smaller pic and you quote to display it anyway. That's funny!