Yellow paint on a 1942 Lithgow SMLE?

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
  • Nate
    Senior Member
    • Aug 2009
    • 375
    #1

    Yellow paint on a 1942 Lithgow SMLE?

    My friend got this rifle yesterday and it is an all matching beauty. There are remnants of yellow paint on the muzzle that could mean something or not. There are no DP marks anywhere on the rifle so should this just be ignored?
    Tags: None
    • ebeeby
      Senior Member
      • May 2012
      • 687
      #2
      I recall a guy not long ago ignored some paint and found out the hard way the receiver had been drilled through but it was hidden by the stock. Wouldn't hurt to pull the receiver and give it a once over...
      "Socialism is the Philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy. Its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." ~Winston Churchill

        Comment

        • John Sukey
          Very Senior Member - OFC Deceased
          • Aug 2009
          • 12224
          #3
          The yellow paint IS THE DP MARK!
          I agree with ebeeby that the rifle needs a strip down to make sure there is nothing hidden.
          Saying that, some serviceable rifles were relegated to DP status when there was nothing wrong with them

            Comment

            • kcw
              Senior Member
              • Aug 2009
              • 1173
              #4
              Originally posted by John Sukey
              The yellow paint IS THE DP MARK!
              I agree with ebeeby that the rifle needs a strip down to make sure there is nothing hidden.
              Saying that, some serviceable rifles were relegated to DP status when there was nothing wrong with them
              And even if you can't detect anything wrong, it might be a good idea to lash it to a tire and fire it the 1st time remotely with a 100' piece of rope, unless of course your friend is absolutely certain that whomever he bought it off of has been shooting it.

                Comment

                • JB White
                  Senior Member
                  • Aug 2009
                  • 13371
                  #5
                  Lithgow rifles were color coded in regard to cadet/drill status.

                  Green = safe to fire
                  Yellow = safe for occasional use
                  Red = DO NOT FIRE BALL AMMUNITION

                  Think of a traffic light. Green -proceed, yellow- caution, red- don't go there!

                  That's how they were marked in service. It's been a long time since they were surplused off and have been in civilian hands for quite a while now. The typical safety check and inspection is a good idea on any used firearm.

                  Plenty of "Yellows" check out fine and are in use, but a safety check is a must prior to shooting.
                  Last edited by JB White; 10-03-2014, 11:04.
                  2016 Chicago Cubs. MLB Champions!


                  **Never quite as old as the other old farts**

                    Comment

                    • Nate
                      Senior Member
                      • Aug 2009
                      • 375
                      #6
                      My friend said that he fired this rifle in the company of the PO before he bought it. Neither person knew anything about SMLEs and didn't question the color. At least the paint was not completely stripped off or we would never have known. I'll pass on this info and will help to check things out. Thanks.

                        Comment

                        Previous template Next
                        Working...