enfield loading question

[dosia113]

do all of the enfield #1 mk3 use stripper clips to feed rounds, or can you just fill the magazine and feed with the bolt?

 

[RecoilRob]

You CAN use the strippers, but certainly don't need to. Thumb the rounds down into the mag and have at it!

And, Welcome to THR.

 

[Z71]

I have three Enfields, a No.1 Mk.III*, a No.4 Mk.I, and a No.5 Mk.I carbine.

Of the three, only the No.1 will load properly with the stripper clips with any reliability. The other two end up with the cartridges rims overlapping wrong about 90% of the time.

The stripper clips must be loaded with the rims staggered properly to work properly.

I have so much trouble trying to use the clips that I just stick the bullets in one at a time from the top. Sometimes I will remove the mag and load it.

 

[dosia113]

thank you for your help. great site

 

[Jeff F]

Sometimes I will remove the mag and load it.

Not recommended, doing so will likely result in feeding problems especially when you seat the loaded magazine with the palm of your hand. It will bend the magazine feed lips.

 

[shinz]

When you loading by hand, make sure to start the round a little forward of the rear of the mag & press it down & back to ensure the rims are located correctly, a bit like loading a 22 rimfire box mag.
Steve