Lee Enfield 303 Barrel Marking

[Segal]

Good Morning All,

I was looking at my Enfield this morning and noticed that the Caliber is stamped on the barrel as 303 W
Does anyone know what the W stands for? Is this still a standard 303 British Barrel?

Thanks and regards,
Dani

[A-R]

Some clear pictures would help a lot. Also try to add pics of the marking on the stock socket, under the bolt knob and of the whole rifle, L, R and top view. This would hopefully make it possible to see the whole picture and place the markings in context.

[Segal]

Thanks A-R
http://imgur.com/a/Jmqvj These are some pictures that I already have from a while ago
There are a few more marking under the stock but the one screw has been sheared off, I am unable to remove the stock to check
I did get some assistance previously with Identifiying it, im wondering now about that 'W'
http://www.gunsite.co.za/forums/show...3-Rifle-Please
Thanks

[A-R]

The rifle was obviously professionally sporterised, quite possibly by Musgrave in Bloemfontein. Check for any "M", "Mus" or "Musgrave" markings on the stock. The buttsock looks like the replacements made by Musgrave. (They were also sold in semi-finished form to the trade.)

The calibre marking on the barrel looks much like those used by Musgrave too. My guess is whoever punched the marking got a little confused and just stamped a "W" as he did on all the 308's.

I doubt that the barrel is chambered for a wildcat cartridge using a 308 W case and a 303 (".311") bullet. The absence of a rim might complicate feeding on that action. Besides, the barrel does not look like it was set back.

So my guess is just a mismarked barrel. Not much of an issue, it might even have some novelty value.

[Segal]

Thanks A-R for the input
Ive managed to get the stock off (stripped screw gave me some hassles)
Please see updated pictures below, there are
I am going to slug the barrel later but im pretty sure the cartridge is a .303 Br and like you said its an incorrect stamp
Thanks
Segal
http://imgur.com/a/2AAdJ