Winchester P14 (K23)

Genuine Enfield .303 P14 rifle. The P14 was produced in response to the shortage of rifles in the British Army at the start of WW1 from a design for a new rifle with a Mauser type bolt, in a smaller calibre than .303. With the commencement of Hostilities .303 was retained and contracts obtained with US companies (Winchester, Eddystone and Remington) for production of what became the P14 (and for the Americans in .30-06 the P17)

It was probably fortunate that the design was not adopted prior to WW1 as the magazine holds less rounds than the SMLE and the Mauser bolt although more accurate has a slower lock time than the Lee bolt, this gave the SMLE a decided rate of fire advantage over the German Mausers at the cost of a slight loss in accuracy, this loss however was so small at combat ranges as to be academic

During WW2 the P14 saw service with the Homeguard, as well as army units after the fall of France when rifles were in short supply, other reports place them in the hands of Artillery and similar units in Europe in 1944(!). However their most well known use is without doubt with the Home Guard, most of which were 'Weedon converted' at the factory at Weedon, this mainly entailed removing the long range volley sights, and rifles retaining these are quite scarce

This example was made by Winchester, it is in overall good condition retaining approximately 98% of finish, a bit worn in places from use, wood has a few small dings and a high quality almost invisible contemporary armourers repair to left of stock , the metal retains most finish.

During WW2 it underwent the Weedon conversion for the Homeguard so it has had a long war service.

Comes with its Birmingham deactivation certificate (current spec) & has full working action. Photo shows actual item.

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