Thread: 303 Mark II (A) Jungle Carbine question.

Not sure if this is the correct location to post this, if not,.......sorry.
Could someone please tell me what to look out for when purchasing the above rifles and also could someone clarify Bayonet Lug restrictions in NZ if any.
I have noticed on a few auctions they the seller has stated the bayonet lug can be removed if requested and alternatively
I have noticed buyers asking if the lug can be removed.
Does a bayonet lug on a rifle change it's category from A tone on a bolt action rifle ?
Thanks

I have no idea why one would remove a bayonet boss off a bolt action. Makes no difference other than make it NOT original and possibly reduce value.
Bayonet boss only make a difference on a semi.

If someone cuts off the bayo lug on a jungle carbine, find them and destroy them.

I have a bayonet lug on my no1 MK 111
Sure ain't E cat !
Didn't all the SKS imports have an integral cruciform bayonet ?

Thanks for that guys, I was pretty confused to be honest when I noticed the posts but thought I would ask......., also was made aware of a military auction in welling this month. I presume it would be worth visiting for some good deals.

Bone up on what to look for in a genuine No 5 if that's what you're after. There's a few dudes who can help, @Tertle is pretty up with the play and he has a good site Home | All About Enfields. Personally, if I was down that way, I'd be having a serious look at the P14's and Sniders.

Roughly off the top of my head:
Bayonet lug
Narrower bottom metal
Relief cuts in the barrel under the wood
Rear sight only goes up to 800 (ish) yards
Far I can make out some came with or without the sheet metal fore end cap.
Lightened bolt knob.
Plenty of online reference about identifying an original from a frankenNo4

Dont remove the bayonet lug on a No5 (aka jungle carbine) it will reduce value and they are a piece of commonwealth history. It is fine to have a bolt action with bayonet lug on a standard license in NZ.

You want to make sure its an actual no5 and not a cut down no4 in no5 clothes. Look for a hole in the bolt handle knob (no5s have had metal removed from the knob), also the barrel as it joins the receiver will have been scalloped out on a true no5 (cut marks around the barrel to reduce weight and the receiver will have less metal than a no4 receiver aswell, below the 800yrd flip sight it will be less built up.

There were two makers of Jungle Carbines, BSA and Fazekerley. BSA made less and may fetch a slightly higher price due to this but both are great little collector rifles.

This guy here has a bit of info on the ole 303 Home | All About Enfields

They are a great little piece of history. Good luck with getting a nice one.

Skeet, if you have any questions or want to send photos im more than happy to have a look, the guys above have given you very good advice.

Bayonet lugs apply to MSSA rifle, and by definition a Mil Style Semi Auto which our beautiful Lee's are not.

There are Flash hider replacements that you can but to "restore" ones that have been butchered but be aware a lot from the states are made for the No4 and are a different barrel diameter, so if your going down that route just be aware. there are many nice restorable No5's out there and not a bad project, let me know if you do go down that route as I can so prevent you from making horrible cock ups like Ive made

Owwww you may also hear various stories of war time special jungle carbines used by snipers or the paratrooper version with the barrels shortened......... please don't fall for that crap! yes there were experimental stocks tried but trust me, your not going to find one (if you let me know though )

Another thing to look for is scalloped areas on the barrel near the receiver, that very normal and indicates she is the real McKoy, don't be shy to ask any potential seller to take the top woods off, its not that hard, as I have seen no4 barrels screwed in, so be careful. But Littledog nicely covered that off. if your lucky and you can read the side of the receiver you may notice really faint writing called electro stencilling, I personally look for 44 45 but they have a lot of history after those dates as well

they are a great rifle and I do not believe they deserve their wandering zero reputation, I have my on theory on that but.......

Enjoy, but be warned one lee is never enough

Crikey ive just read my own website, yep ive 3 No5's now!!!! see, one is never enough

Originally Posted by Skeet

Thanks for that guys, I was pretty confused to be honest when I noticed the posts but thought I would ask......., also was made aware of a military auction in welling this month. I presume it would be worth visiting for some good deals.

Well worth the visit. I would go if I could, but I have to work.
There are some good deals and Ive got heaps of books and stuff for next to nothing.

That's fantastic folks, thank you so much for the advice. Their are currently 3 Rifles on trade me that interest me and as an exercise on what to watch for and thing not to touch, professional opinion on the rifles would be great. 1 - listing 787061159, 303 no4 Mark1. 2 - Listing 785146769, Jungle Carbine, Buy Now $650.00 And finally 3 - No 4 NZ Bush Carbine priced at $650.00, listing 787031210
Reference $650 is a little higher Than I wanted to pay but it would be good to here if these rifles are worth it.

Originally Posted by Skeet

That's fantastic folks, thank you so much for the advice. Their are currently 3 Rifles on trade me that interest me and as an exercise on what to watch for and thing not to touch, professional opinion on the rifles would be great. 1 - listing 787061159, 303 no4 Mark1. 2 - Listing 785146769, Jungle Carbine, Buy Now $650.00 And finally 3 - No 4 NZ Bush Carbine priced at $650.00
Reference $650 is a little higher Higgs I wanted to pay but it would be good to here if these rifles are worth it.

Look at the militaria auction catalogue, there are bound to be some on there

Thanks for that mate I will take a look.

be warned one lee is never enough

Truer words have never been spoken!

Varies they have a lot of crap as well