"metal loop" on enfield

[porthos]

what is the small metal "loop" in front of the magazine (between the front action screw and the magazine) used for??

[Outpost75]

To chain magazine to rifle.

[Hick]

To chain magazine to rifle.

Yep-- when the Enfield was designed the designers realized that if a soldier lost his magazine in battle he was pretty much screwed. Apparently it didn't turn out to be much of an issue-- but it was provided for.

[Winger Ed.]

As said.

Also, having all the spare magazines you can carry is a new concept.
I've seen a couple of unissued European rifles that as well as all other major parts,
the last three numbers of the serial number was also stamped on the magazine too.
It was as if that magazine was supposed to be the one and only for that rifle.

[Outpost75]

British Army Doctrine was that the magazine would not be removed other than for cleaning and maintenance.

A viable concern in trench warfare was clearance of mud caked into the action from mortar or artillery fire, or from the rifle being dropped during wet conditions. This would normally be flushed by pouring water or urinating into the open action until the debris was removed. Then the magazine would be re-installed, firmly seated and firing continued, reloading from the top using "chargers" or stripper clips.

WW2 US doctrine for the Garand was similar, disengaging the trigger group, urinating on it to flush away the mud, then reassembling the rifle. Historical data from the US Army 10th Mtn. Division in Italy suggested that the urine of wine drinkers was less corrosive than that from coffee drinkers and was to be preferred. Absolute best was the urine from a virgin Camelite Nun who prayed the rosary over your rifle during a lull in the fighting...

[444ttd]

[leebuilder]

Hi. The loop on the trigger guard is for attaching the breech cover. Breech covers when complete have a lace for it.
Be well

[porthos]

aaah! breach cover!! i have had a few enfields; and, none had any kind of "loop" on the magazine that would attach to the loop on the trigger guard. i think the breach cover makes more sence. does anyone have a enfield magazine with a loop on it.
THANKS Leebuilder

[leebuilder]

You are welcome.
I have a few, a sporterized long lee and a carbine.
Be well

[Hick]

I remembered reading about the magazine attachment, but in going back to the book (The Lee Enfield Rifle , by Major E. G. B. Reynolds) I found It was actually the parent of the Enfield, the Lee-Metford, that attached the magazine with a chain to avoid losing it

[john.k]

When the Lee Metford ,called the "magazine rifle" was first introduced,it was intended each gun should have three magazines issued with it.......however the cost was considered too high ,so the rifle was issued with just one magazine,joined to the lower plate with a wire link .

[Larry Gibson]

Not sure why the loop was put there. I never saw one with the magazine chained or wired to it. I have seen it used numerous times as the rear sling attachment when the "2 point sling" is used in shooting. The "Ching" sling of Scout Rifle usage is a take off of the concept.

[leebuilder]

From a carbine.
The link fits flush into the the stock.
Be well

[leebuilder]

This is the breech cover and the "loop".

[john.k]

For those who havent seen one,the earlier Lee Metford/Lee Enfield magazines dont have the familiar "W" spring of the SMLE ,but have a "C" spring that hooks into the front edge of the magazine box,and forms a front guide for the bullet tips ,as well as spring to push up the platform.

[JRD]

While randomly browsing this site:
http://www.milsurps.com/content.php

I came across the below information which answers this question. It seems chaining the magazine to the rifle and attaching the action cover are both right depending on which time period you're in.

"When the Lee magazine rifle was first adopted, loading by charger had not yet been adopted, so two magazines were issued for each rifle. But there was a problem with feeding if the magazines were not fitted to the rifle by a skilled workman. So one magazine was considered the primary magazine; it was chained to the rifle (as pictured below); the second magazine, pre-loaded, was carried in the soldier's pocket or belt.

In use, the primary magazine was to be emptied, then it would be released and the second magazine inserted. The chain kept the primary magazine from being lost.

After charger loading was adopted, issue of the second magazine was discontinued. Since the primary magazine would not be removed except for cleaning the rifle, it was considered that attaching it to the rifle by a chain would no longer be necessary, but the loop was retained. Later, it came in handy for attaching the receiver cover."