Drill Rifles??

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deadin
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Drill Rifles??

Post by deadin » Wed Oct 18, 2017 11:10 pm

I picked up a couple of Drill Rifles today. At least one is a bonefide DP, an Enfield L59A1. From what I have been able to find these seem somewhat scarce, especially here in the States. Any information on this one would be greatly appreciated.
The other one is a Steyr M95 Straight Pull Infantry Rifle. I don't know if it was configured for Drill Purposes of just deactivated for training. The chamber has been milled open from the top and the firing pin hole welded shut. I haven't had it out of the stock yet so I don't know if the barrel is welded to the receiver. The barrel itself isn't plugged.
I paid $100 for the pair, so I don't think I was hurt.....

Dean
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Re: Drill Rifles??

Post by DuncaninFrance » Thu Oct 19, 2017 3:29 am

Will check my Snetterton when I get home Dean - should be covered in that.
Duncan

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Re: Drill Rifles??

Post by DuncaninFrance » Sun Oct 29, 2017 4:52 pm

OK Dean, I think this is what you are looking for.
From Ian Skennerton's book The Lee Enfield. ( Don't know where I got Snetterton from, it'#s a motor racing circuit in England!

Image

Image

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Hope this helps you :GBR:
Duncan

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"Many of those who enjoy freedom know little of its price."
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Re: Drill Rifles??

Post by deadin » Sun Oct 29, 2017 5:27 pm

Duncan, Thanks! That's it.
There is almost more info there than I can process in one sitting. I looked up buying a Skennerton, but they want over $70.00 US for one... (Maybe if I really get into Enfields.)
Mine doesn't appear to have the copper plated bolt nor does it have any markings "lined out". The only markings I can find are the one's on the side of the receiver. No sign of anything on the socket. Also the "viewing hole" in the side of the stock is round instead of rectangular. Everything else is as described.

Another question, I found a picture of an L59A1 with an attached spike bayonet that was also marked with a "DP" on a white band around the rear part of the mount. Any idea what was done to make a tent-peg into a Drill Purpose item?

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Re: Drill Rifles??

Post by DuncaninFrance » Sun Oct 29, 2017 6:36 pm

Perhaps this is waht you are talking about? It is also designated at an L59A1.

Image

As to the book, I can tell you it is worth every penny of $70, even if you don't collect Enfield's.!
Duncan

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Re: Drill Rifles??

Post by Aughnanure » Sun Oct 29, 2017 8:26 pm

Dean,

Reference the Steyr, I read somewhere years ago, that the rifle as you describe was for drill purposes within the prison system in Austria, where crims were expected to fulfill their military training obligations.
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Re: Drill Rifles??

Post by Niner » Sun Oct 29, 2017 9:07 pm

Speaking of Enfield DP rifles. I remembered an old Springfield Sporters catalog from fifteen or so, likely more, years ago. The III's were cheaper than the 4's for some reason. I never bought any of them. I did buy one thing from that catalog. I got a converted during the war 8mm Carcano carbine that was probably stored in North Africa....super baked bone dry wood stock ...$65. In firing condition.....more or less. (Just looked it up...1999.) And I actually shot it with 8mm Turk surplus and lived to tell about it. Only shot it a few times on one occasion though.
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III.jpg
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Re: Drill Rifles??

Post by englishman_ca » Tue Nov 14, 2017 3:06 pm

Drill Purpose
Drill Purpose
These are my two drill rifles. Both 1891 MLM Mk.I*. Both DP marked with iron butt discs. Both have India arsenal markings.
Look to your front, mark your target when it comes.
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Re: Drill Rifles??

Post by englishman_ca » Tue Nov 14, 2017 3:08 pm

Since that I actually managed to post a pic, I am feeling clever and will try another one.

Martini Enfield artillery carbine Mk.II converted in 1899 from an 1888 IC1.
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Re: Drill Rifles??

Post by DuncaninFrance » Tue Nov 14, 2017 4:14 pm

englishman_ca wrote:
IMG_3253.JPG
These are my two drill rifles. Both 1891 MLM Mk.I*. Both DP marked with iron butt discs. Both have India arsenal markings.
Those look extremely nice pieces, as does the Martini. :) :) :)
Duncan

What contemptible scoundrel has stolen the cork to my lunch? -- W.C. Fields
"Many of those who enjoy freedom know little of its price."
You can't fix Stupid, but you can occasionally head it off before it hurts something.
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