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SANTE FE MK1 Jungle Carbine Model 12 0 11

Jungle JimJungle Jim Member Posts: 264 ✭
edited February 2002 in Ask the Experts
I found a 1944 303 caliber carbine today, and was curious if anyone knew anything about these rifles; history - value, etc.It's in pretty good shape, some bluing wear on the bolt action, etc. wood in good shape.Finally, is the weapon safe to fire ?Thanks,Jim
"De Oppresso Liber"
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Comments

  • MIKE WISKEYMIKE WISKEY Member Posts: 10,035 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    THESE WERE STANDARD MK4 #1 SMLE 'CONVERED' TO THE MK5 CONFIGURATION, THE 'FLASH' HIDER IS PROBABLY POT METAL. THESE ARE USUALY SAFE TO SHOOT BUT PROBLABLT BEST TO HAVE A GUNSMITH CHECK IT. NOT A COLLECTOR JUST A SHOOTER.
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  • talontalon Member Posts: 150 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    "Santa Fe" is the key word here. I've seen that name before on other WWII ventage arms. I'm not sure of this, but I believe that stateside outfit rebuilt "stuff" out of boxes of parts. I could be wrong. I have no idea of their reputation.
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  • Jungle JimJungle Jim Member Posts: 264 ✭
    edited November -1
    After posting this message, I found a similar one on Gunbroker; they say it's an Enfield.Their listing says: "Description: WORLD WAR II ENFIELD CARBINE INTRODUCED IN 1944 FOR JUNGLE WARFARE. THIS IS AN ORIGINAL, NOT REMANUFACTURED OR CUT DOWN THAT ARE WIDELY AVAILABLE. THESE GUNS HAVE BEEN LIGHTENED DURING MANUFACTURING SO AS TO PRODUCE A FAST HANDLING EASY CARRYING WEAPON. THIS GUN IS COMPLETE WITH FLASH HIDER AND THE BARREL IS ONLY 20.5" AND THE TOTAL WEIGHT IS 7 LB. 2 OZ. THIS GUN IS A MUST HAVE ADDITION TO ANY ENFIELD COLLECTION OR WORLD WAR II COLLECTION. THIS GUN IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION AND MAY HAVE SOME ORIGINAL COSMOLINE ON IT. THE STOCKS MAY HAVE STORAGE AND OR BATTLE DINGS ON IT. AS WITH ALL SURPLUS WEAPONS A GUNSMITH SHOULD CHECK BEFORE FIRING ". Asking $250.00
    "De Oppresso Liber"
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  • Der GebirgsjagerDer Gebirgsjager Member Posts: 1,673 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Jim--The second rifle you mentioned sounds like the better buy. It's original equipment, whereas Santa Fe Arms both imported originals and rebuilt them. This would be hard to determine without examining the piece. The No.5 was the last of the Lee Enfield line to be mass produced. Later, there were 7.62 mm versions of the No.4, but made in limited quantities. The No. 5 came late in WW II and did see use in such places as Borneo and Malaya. It is a fine little rifle, but had the reputation for a "wandering zero". In other words, it could be zeroed dead on today and be off tomorrow. This is not true of all specimens, but is the case with enough of them that the British military discontinued their use. The problem has been attributed to the lightening cuts made in the receiver to reduce weight. $250 is a fair price for one in good shape. Gibbs Rifle Co. is presently converting No.4 models into No. 5s, and they do not have the accuracy problem as they have the heavier receiver. They aren't collectable, though. The .303 British cartridge is an oldie, but it still works. It's a little better than the .30-40 Krag and will take just about all U.S. big game.
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  • Jungle JimJungle Jim Member Posts: 264 ✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks for the response to my posts; I bought the carbine to shoot, and got a good deal on it. My only concern is the "rolling zero" problem I've been told about - seems that it's hard to keep it zero'd in, due to the recoil and short length. May use a pellet gun scope on it to cure that problem !Thanks,Jim
    "De Oppresso Liber"
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