Lee-Enfield .22RF Pattern 1914 22LR Trainer Single Shot Bolt Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1901.76
LSB#: 201723TS05
Make: Enfield, England
Model: Lee-Enfield .22RF Pattern 1914. A Lee-Enfield MkI that has been converted to a .22 Training Rifle.
This rifle is officially designated: Rifle, Short, .22-inch, R.F., Pattern 1914, No.1.
Serial Number: 8439
Year of Manufacture: 1897. Converted to .22 LR circa 1916.
Caliber: .22 LR (.22 Long Rifle). Originally .303 British
Action Type: Single Shot Bolt Action. The detachable magazine functions as a shell catcher. There are no internal parts in the magazine.
Markings: The import mark on the barrel is at the back of the rear sight base. It reads “J.J. CO. / N.Y.C.”. The right side of the stock collar is marked “WESTERLY RICHARDS” and “A.G. PARKER & CO / BIRMINGHAM”. Both of these companies were involved in the conversion of this rifle. It appears that A.G. Parker marked the receiver after Westerly & Richards. It is also marked with the original “crown / V.R. / ENFIELD / 1897 / I” and the new designation “22 PATT / ‘14 No1”. The left side of the stock collar is marked “ENFIELD / 1905 / SHT LE / COND II”. These are markings from the previous Arsenal conversion to a SMLE Condition 2 configuration. The right front of the receiver, rear of the bolt handle, bottom front of the forearm, and face of the nosecap are each marked with the serial number. The right front of the receiver is also marked with “crossed out numbers”. The left front of the receiver is marked with a few “crown / crossed flags” proofs. One of the proofs is overstamped with a “D”. The bolt handle is marked with crossed flags. The bolt head is marked “22No2” and “MA 52”. There are a few other small stampings on the rifle.
Barrel Length: Approximately 25 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set atop a ramped base and between protective sight wings. The rear of sight has a flat top with a “U” groove. The riser of the sight is marked from “2-20”. The rear sight also has protective wings. The adjustment can be performed by pushing in on the left of the slider or with the worm-screw on the right.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a straight grip with finger groove, barrel band with sling loop, nosecap assembly with sight wings & bayonet lug, scallop for the front volley sight base, cutout for the missing rear volley sight aperture (next to the safety), sling loop base under the butt, and a brass buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows scratches, small dents, and oxidation. The bottom of the butt shows a repair to the sling base. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Several have damaged or removed small portions of surface wood. Most of these marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition as a refurbished antique.
Type of Finish: Oil Darkened Metal
Finish Originality: Original to Conversion
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The grooves near the muzzle are light grey. The rifling is crisp. There is fouling and light intermediate erosion in the grooves near the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its current metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches, and varying degrees of thinning. The thinned portions of the metal show discoloration from oxidation and a few areas of light surface erosion. The screw heads show use. The markings are well defined; some markings are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as a refurbished antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a magazine hull. There are no internal parts. It acts as a brass catcher. It shows scrapes and discoloration. It is in about Very Good Plus condition in its current “incomplete” state.
Our Assessment: This Rare British .22 Training Rifle is a Lee-Enfield .22RF Pattern 1914. It has a ton of markings that explain its history. This rifle started life as a Lee-Enfield MkI way back in 1897. In 1905 it was converted to SHT LE Cond II (SMLE Condition 2) configuration by Enfield. During WWI it was converted to a .22 Training Rifle due to the lack of trainers available. A.G. Parker & Company and Westerly & Richards were both involved in conversion. This is a great Enfield Trainer for your collection. It’s an antique so no FFL is required…unless you live in California.