enfield question

[dosia113]

i have a 1912 british enfield. the rifle has most of the usual markings (ie: year, british crown, rsaf, smle mk iii stampings) there is also "HV" stamped directly behind the bolt. I believe that is for high velocity, may be wrong. the rifle has the thin sling swivels, small brass circular piece on the side of the shoulder rest. most of the enfields i have seen have a wood stock that completely covers the barrel, and then has a nose cap on the end. however, my enfield has a more modern looking stock where the last 10-12 inches of the barrel are not covered by anything. the rifle has the adjustable metering sight directly in front of the bolt with a vertical sight at the end of the barrel. im thinking maybe this rifle may have been an early sniper rifle. did enfield ever produce shorter stocks? any information on this rifle would be greatly appreciated.

 

[brooks]

You have a chopped "sporterized " SMLE III Enfield. I have one now and it is similiar to one I bought at Target for about $30 in 1963.

The myriad of stamps used by the Brits is a study in itself and if you are interested you can do it. One thing for sure is that HV does not stand for high velocity.

The short stock (length of pull) was to designed for the shorter stature early 20th century British soldier.

 

[Z71]

The "HV" by the rear sight means the rifle has been approved or modified for use with whatever mark of cartridge the British switched to.

I think it has something to do with the calibration of the rear sight, and it's compatability with a lighter/faster bullet.