Enfield SHTLE??

[jdberger]

On a lark, I acquired a funny Enfield rifle a while ago. I was told that it was chambered for .410 2" shells. Can anyone tell me anything about this? On the right side it is stamped SHTLE. Some pics:









I couldn't get a decent picture, but on the right hand side strap by the trigger guard it is stamped SHTLE.

Any history, proper caliber and an approximate value would be well appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Shweboner]

AFAIK

Its a conversion rifle, made for police forces in India.

Ive heard varying stories about these.

1) The british didn't trust the Indians with a full rifle, therefore issued singe-shot .410s

2) The more probable explanation... Indian police in an urban setting would be better suited to the .410 because of the over-penetration issues with firing a .303


Either way, definitely an interesting piece. They were also made in the 3" chamber which would accomidate the American .410 shells

I have the 3" model, I ordered it from Springfield Sporters a few years ago... the called them "muskets" which it really feels like when firing and loading.
only paid $90 for it. and it has the most beautiful stock I have ever seen on an SMLE, Ill post pics later if I can.

Keep us posted on what other info you might find


~brian

 

[jdberger]

eleven minutes, folks. THR ROCKS!

 

[Jim K]

SHT L E is the actual marking on what is usually called the SMLE.

Some people think the "short" applies to the magazine, but if one puts in the implied commas, SMLE means Rifle, short, magazine, Lee-Enfield. The earlier rifle was the Rifle, magazine, Lee-Enfield (MLE) so the SMLE was the shortened version.

Those .410 conversions were also made and sold in the U.K. when it was almost impossible to own a rifle unless one owned land on which to hunt big game, but owning a shotgun was much less restricted. Today, I understand, owning even a shotgun is nearly impossible in some areas unless, of course, one is a member of the nobility.

Jim

 

[BEARMAN]

If you find that a 2 1/2 in .410 cartridge will not fit your chamber, as I did, there is a solution. Take a fired .303 british case prime it put about 4 grains of UNIQUE IN IT , FILL THE REST OF THE CASE WITH CORN MEAL OR CREME OF WHEAT PLACE A SMALL CARDBOARD WAD IN THE MOUTH OF CASE AND THEN DRIP A LITTLE CANDLE WAX INTO MOUTH OF CASE. Now go to the range or out back somewhere legal to shoot and fire these straight up into the air. You should now have fire formed brass .410 shells for your MUSKET. These cases will not be perfect but the mouth will fit the chamber and so will the bases. My LOAD IS 8 GR. OF UNIQUE FOLLOWED BY 1 CARDBOARD WAD, THEN 4 CORK WADS, THEN 1/2 OZ or 218 gr. OF 7 1/2 SHOT, TOPPED WITH A CARDBOARD WAD ,A SLIGHT CRIMP IN A .308 CRIMPING DIE HELPS THEN WAXED OR WHITE GLUED IN PLACE. You may have to experiment with your wads to get the right height in your cases. A point of interest is .40 S&W AND 10MM bullets FIT THE .410 MUSKET FOR SLUGS. The original cartridges were untapered .303 basic cases with a star crimp similar to .22 shot shells. Hope this helps , use after study and at your own risk. GOOD LUCK.

 

[jdberger]

Thanks Jim & Bearman.

Apparently owning any kind of gun in the UK is difficult at best. A shame, but a reminder of wht can happen to us if the antis win.

Bearman, thanks for the load advice. I can't really see myself shooting this thing. After all, a single shot bolt action .410 doesn't really get my blood-a-boiling...but i might just for fun. I'll let you all know.

Thanks again.

J