ARmy Rumour SErvice

Originally Posted by Buzz

Ignoring the problem that came from the cocking handle having to be released cleanly to ensure the bolt closed properly they used to shoot very well for a service weapon, well beyond the skill of most firers, I used to shoot marksman unsupported with one and be able clear all 5 plates on the run down shoot.

Certainly a better choice for the kids than a full bore battle rifle like a No.4 or SLR.

I had the opportunity to fire a Cadet GP when the cadets first got them (Friends in low places.) and i do agree with your comment on shootability for a cadet - or me for that matter. However, that straight-pull mechanism was truly dreadful and, if the scuttle butt was accurate, foisted on the cadets by ACPO lobbying. A self-loading version would have been so much better.

Originally Posted by scalieback

Aka EM-2

I see. I always thought that the Rifle No.9 was a .22 trainer.

Originally Posted by Beerhunter

I see. I always thought that the Rifle No.9 was a .22 trainer.

Yep, the .22RF No 4's. I prefer the .22RF SMLE personally.

Originally Posted by Beerhunter

A self-loading version would have been so much better.

Cadets are supposed to now have A2s configured for semi-automatic only although I'm not sure how many have actually been issued.

Originally Posted by Buzz

Certainly a better choice for the kids than a full bore battle rifle like a No.4 or SLR.

Generations of cadets learned to shoot on the No. 4, with the "treat" of playing with SLRs during the occasional course or whatever. I was an undersized wimp at the age of 13, but had no real problem handling a No. 4. With the arrogance of youth, we looked down at the SLR as being inaccurate

Concur with Flaggie. Having had a good grounding with .22 RF Martini Henry action rifles (my School Rifle Club made us become proficient with these, probably averaging over 80/100 on 5-bull targets before moving onto the quality stuff) then Anschutz bolt-action jobs I found the transition to the Lee Enfield & Cadet 7.62 target rifle a doddle.

I thouroughly enjoyed using the Cadet Ensign, SLR & both types of SA80 IW and was generally a marksman on each, but my (shooting) love even as a fourteen or fifteen year old was the Lee Enfield No 4.

Originally Posted by Alsacien

A proper one:

Why has it got a butt plug fitted above the pistol grip? Is it to make it less shit?

Originally Posted by scalieback

Yep, the .22RF No 4's. I prefer the .22RF SMLE personally.

It's the No.8 rifle.

Most examples I have seen have more in common with the L39 or the Parker Hale Enforcer, the actions while having started life as No.4's are drilled for a No.32 scope so they may well have come from L42's. The action has been converted to cock on opening and the trigger pivot has been moved as well, not features found on No.4's.

You can't have a .22 SMLE over a No.4 as they are both just actions converted to build a new weapon.