Enfield question?

82trooper

September 19, 2009 15:31

Does anyone know what the small loop is for on the WWII Enfield rifles? It is in front of the magazine well, and looks like a lanyard loop maybe? Can anyone enlighten me?
Thanks.
Mike

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  rawhide54

  September 20, 2009 10:57

  To my understanding, it's a leftover from WW 1. It was used to attach a canvas cover for the bolt & receiver to keep the mud out of them in the trenches. If you look at some of the photos from the Brits in that war, you often see the covers when they're not in combat.

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  11b6r

  September 20, 2009 16:00

  Yep- sort of like a little saddle blanket that covered the action. Had a little chain that attached to that loop to keep you from dropping it in the slop it you suddenly had to start working the bolt without removing the blankie first.

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  rovernut

  September 20, 2009 17:46

  nope, it was for a small chain that attached to your magazine so you wouldnt loose it

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  Spartacus

  September 21, 2009 12:31

  11b has it right. it was a canvas cover for the action. I use it for a sling attachment.
  as far as i know, the mags don't have any means for attatching them to the rifle.

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  82trooper

  September 21, 2009 15:20

  Thanks to all for your insight!

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  11b6r

  September 21, 2009 19:17

  Properly called a "Breech cover"- they looked like this: http://www.diggerhistory.info/images/uniforms3/chappell02.jpg

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