BSACo. Lee-Enfield Model 1899 MKI* .303 Rifle

[varifleman]

Here for your viewing pleasure is BSACo. Lee-Enfield Model 1899 MKI* dated 1901 serial number A55655 which was issued to PVT Arnold Van Buren who enlisted in the 6th Canadian Mounted Rifles, South African Forces at Calgary on April 24 1902. he proceeded to South Africa, was returned to Canada, and struck off strength in consequence of "Disbandment of the Forces." He retained the rifle after leaving service. The rifle still has its original issue oil bottle.
Also shown is Model 1888 bayonet for this rifle.



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[varifleman]

Model 1888 Bayonet and Arnold's service record.

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[303Guy]

Now that is just plain gun porn! Complete with its history too. Wow! Thanks for sharing.

[GhostHawk]

Hubba hubba hubba!

[downunderrunner]

much envy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[leebuilder]

A fine piece of history, thanks for sharing
be well

[nekshot]

you don't see em like that in the stores I get into! Nice and again nice!

[varifleman]

Took the rifle out to the range yesterday and had excellent results at 50 yards with Hornady .303 British 174-gr boat tail hollow point Vintage Match AMMO. This off-the-shelf ammo is designed to provide top of the line quality and match grade accuracy. The boat tail helps reduce the drag on the round as it travels to its target. The muzzle velocity of this product is 2430 feet per second and will still be traveling at roughly 1650 feet per second at 500 yards. Its trajectory levels out at 200 meters, and drops 10.5 inches at 300 yards. These cartridges have a brass case, are Boxer primed, non-corrosive, and are reloadable.

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[S. Galbraith]

Wow. That is indeed a rare find. Might I ask what you paid for it, or was it inherited?

[.22-10-45]

Very nice indeed! Does it have Metford type rifling? Are you planning to shoot cast in it?

[varifleman]

PVT Arnold after returning from his service in South Africa in 1902 took out a land grant in Alberta and was a farmer there until returning to Missouri in 1919 and permanently settling there. This rifle was passed down from PVT Arnold right down to his great-grandson and shot every now and then. The grandson returned to the US to settle the family estate but was unable to bring back the rifle to his home in Europe due to strict gun control laws and thus had to sell it. I was fortunate to acqiure it and find copies of many of Arnold's Canadian service and census records on-line. I paid about 1 grand for it.

[varifleman]

It has the 7-groove Enfield rifling. The Hornady Vintage ammo did very well and I have about 200 rounds of WWII .303 British issue ammo which I'll try next and will probably not shoot any cast ammo.

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