British .303

[jon lynn]

I found a .303 that looks like a Springfield, but I can't see much except for British Crown type stamps, and a flower stamp on the top of the action, and barrel.

The bore looks okay, but the muzzle will defenantly need some polishing. They want $200 even.


They also have a Stevens 200 in .308 for $260, and an NEF Ultra in .243 for $225.

But being the oddball I am, the .303 calls me. How much you think it might cost to have it machined for scope bases?

Your opinions please.

[Joe Boleo]

Is the rifle in original military condition, or has it been sporterized? That .303 that looks like a Springfield may be an Enfield P-14 the was made by Winchester, Remington and Eddystone for Great Britain in WWI.

There are "no drill" mounts available from S& K Insta-Mounts that will fit that rifle. If the rifle is still in military condition, it is worth much more without holes drilled in the receiver. Take care...
Joe

[Adam Helmer]

jon lynn,


What model .303 Rifle are you talking about?
Look on the left side of the receiver for any model designations such as "No.4. Mk1*". Also look at the metal stock connecting band below the bolt knob for additional information.

If you have a MkIII, scoping it will be expensive. If you have a No.4, Mk1, there are no drill mounts you can use for a scope. By the time you drill and tap this old war horse and recrown the muzzle, you would be better off buying a used sporter rifle in the caliber of your choice.

Adam

[jon lynn]

I'll stop back by tommorow and write every number and mark I can find. The pawn shop guy did say Eddystone.

But I am not looking for it to save as a military rifle, I want to sporterize it. I guess it's a sentemental replacment for the Mauser I sporterized in Germany.

[Catfish]

You should slug the barrel also. The bores in the old British army rifle went from .311 to .313 as I recall. I have been seeing the VZ 24 Mausers at gun shows for under $ 100 and one of these would be better to sportarize in my oppenion. I just took the stock off of one and am going to rebarrel it to .35 Whelen. Mid-Way has so barrels on sale now so I thought I would try one.

[jon lynn]

Okay, got all the info on the .303

on the right hand side of receiver:

ERA
Serial number


On the left side Barrel
MADE IN USA, stamped over something I can’t read and two tiny stamps before the “303”and a tiny number 4 after, then BM in a circle with three lines coming out of the top.

On the left side of receiver:
An arrow pointing left then’ NETR PROOF’ stamped over a stamp of G&R with two crossed flags with an “F” under the flags, then a circle stamp with HM in it and a crown on top, then a perfectly legible arrow/and the “G&R” over the crossed flags and F on the bottom

[Adam Helmer]

jon lynn,

It sounds like you have a P-14 Enfield in .303 caliber.

Adam

[jon lynn]

Is it worth $200 as is? In your opinions?

[GoodOlBoy]

If you like 303s yes I think it is worth it (Though I would try to talk the price down a bit more, but thats me)

I like 303s, I just don't own one.

GoodOlBoy

[wrenchman]

in my area the actions them self are going for more then 200.

[gumpokc]

Jon, the .303 or the .308 would work well for what you want to do with it, and not alot of difference between them in performance.

the .308 may have _slightly_ better availability, but you shouldnt have to look too hard around here to find .303 ammo.

I know you were looking at 91/30's for abit, all three are roughly equal. The differences in between them show up more on paper then in normal usage.

[jon lynn]

Hey Gump!

I gave up on the 91/30's the secret is out, they aint cheap no more. I keep steering back to a simple NEF in .243 or .308 and then all I have to do is slap my VX-II on it because the Weaver rings are still on it.

I never reason with the cost of a rebuilding project, from machine work and a new stock from Boyds, then the must have new trigger from timney it adds up, I might as well just keep it simple.

[Brithunter]

Originally posted by jon lynn
Okay, got all the info on the .303

on the right hand side of receiver:

ERA
Serial number


On the left side Barrel
MADE IN USA, stamped over something I can’t read and two tiny stamps before the “303”and a tiny number 4 after, then BM in a circle with three lines coming out of the top.

On the left side of receiver:
An arrow pointing left then’ NETR PROOF’ stamped over a stamp of G&R with two crossed flags with an “F” under the flags, then a circle stamp with HM in it and a crown on top, then a perfectly legible arrow/and the “G&R” over the crossed flags and F on the bottom

It's an Eddystone manufactured P-14 rifle and that's NITRO PROOF!

It should also have 303 2.222" 18 Tons

Which is standard British proof marking.

[dakotah]

I have a 303 P-14 and I am keeping it military. The case holds a little more than the 308 Winchester. I load this 303 more than the loads printed for the SMLE's -- it is a stronger action and has front locking lugs - so less case stretch. The brass I use holds up excellently -- so far no failures.

I got a good price on it - less than $200. But I have seen these going for $300 and more.

Since I don't shoot factory loads very often - rarely. The lack of factory loads doesn't make much difference to me. I think that I am using Speer 150 grain bullets currently (without checking for sure.)


The SMLE's can be bought very cheaply on auctions - on the WEB.

[DON WALKUP]

i had a .303 in full military furniture that would hold a 3" group at 100 yards. (off of sandbags, of course) it was the later model no 4 with the fold up micrometer leaf-sight. that was with the old milsurp ammo, too...handloads might have done better.

if i recall correctly... B-sqare offers(ed) a scope mount that mounted to the side of the reciever didn't they? it had to be drilled and tapped but could be done in a good garage workshope with a good drill press and solid vise. (i could be wrong about this so research b-sqare and see)