Addicted to Enfields

My name is BlackAck and I am addicted to Enfields.

Originally from London, I grew up on war films like Ice Cold in Alex, The Longest Day, A Bridge Too Far, etc,.  I thought the rifle carried by my silver screen heroes was awesome though I did not know what I was looking at.  I later learned that both my father and his father had used them, which only deepened my interest.

Fast forward to the Combined Cadet Force and I ‘marched up and down the square’ with a DP rifle and soon became a crack shot with the venerable No. 8.  The first firearm I shot was an Enfield!  I loved the heft, the craftsmanship, the history of these beauties, but I never thought I would own one.  Moving across the pond made that seem even more unlikely. 

Fast forward to six months ago, I introduce myself to new neighbours.  After chatting for a bit, the chap tells me he has a ‘British rifle’ in the attic left behind by the previous owner.  He showed it to me and said he had no interest in such things and I made him an offer on the spot.  I became the proud owner of a ‘41 BSA Shirley No.1 MkIII* Pictures to follow soon. 

So I love my Enfield and I want to share that passion with those who feel the same and maybe with those who do not . 

Welcome to the Forum, And I have empathy for your illness !

Don't just stand there, Git fell in you 'orrible little man!

Sorry about the picture quality, the camera was rubbish. 






The wrist with the BSA Shirley wartime shorthand 'B' visible. 

That last picture was taken minutes after I bought it. The ink hadn't dried yet on the cheque. The rust is long gone gone, but that's the only picture I had to hand.

Zed wrote: Have you had the chance to shoot your rifle yet?

Very nice rifle there, BlackAck. Out of curiosity, what kind of ammo were you using? Some rifles hate certain brands and love other brands. I guess at their ages the ol' girls have the right to be a bit finicky

Tsk-tsk-tsk...BlackAck, dont you realize whats happening here? (You poor devil).This is an addiction that will drive you to ruin! Lord knows-this site has seen its share of THAT tragedy!!Before its too late-my advice to you would be to pack up this siren of inequity, & wash your hands of it!!Send it here to me - I will keep it here, where it wont be able to cast its net over you & drive you into the gutter! Its a sacrifice I make, but one that HAS to be made!I have a lock-up for these beasts.There-they can do no harm to the young & innocents.
You dont need to thank me..just doing my bit for mankind.
(Dr.) Hoadie