Wartime requirements
During WWII, both the British and U.S. made some rifle barrels with 2 grooves instead of 4 or 5. Tests were conducted to determine if 2-groove barrels would provide acceptable accuracy. They can provide adequate accuracy and were permitted for production. It was done to speed up production and cut costs. The U.S. made many 1903-A3 Springfield rifles with 2-groove barrels. I have read that the British and Canadians did make 2-groove barrels for Enfields, but have only seen a few. All the best...
Gil
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