Britain Goes From Trainer to Competition: the No 8 Mk I

Published on June 18, 2018
Duration: 8:04

This guide details the disassembly and reassembly of the bolt for the British No. 8 Mk I .22 caliber training rifle. Expert Ian McCollum demonstrates how to unscrew the bolt head, remove the firing pin, and reassemble the components. This process is crucial for cleaning and maintenance, allowing for inspection of key parts like the extractor and firing pin spring. The No. 8 Mk I, manufactured by BSA, was designed as a dedicated target trainer, featuring a cock-on-open action and a heavy barrel for enhanced accuracy.

Quick Summary

The British No. 8 Mk I is a .22 caliber training rifle developed post-WWII, noted for its heavy barrel, adjustable sights (including a special 'H' setting), and cock-on-open action. Manufactured by BSA around 1951-1952, it was designed as a dedicated marksman's rifle and eventually replaced earlier trainers due to its quality.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: No. 8 Mk I Enfield Trainer
  2. 00:23Post-WWII Trainer Development
  3. 01:04Receiver and Design Philosophy
  4. 01:27Target Rifle Features
  5. 01:44Action and Magazine Changes
  6. 01:55Manufacturing Markings
  7. 02:34Barrel and Weight
  8. 02:50Sling and Rear Sight Adjustments
  9. 03:10The 'H' Setting Explained
  10. 04:19Bolt Design and Loading
  11. 05:09Bolt Comparison (No. 7 vs. No. 8)
  12. 05:33Extractor and Action Type
  13. 06:29Seer Differences and Trigger
  14. 06:51Obsolete Status and Civilian Availability
  15. 07:13Value as a Target Rifle
  16. 07:31Auction Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the British No. 8 Mk I rifle?

The No. 8 Mk I is a British .22 caliber training rifle developed after WWII. It was designed as a dedicated marksman's rifle, featuring a heavy barrel and adjustable sights, and was manufactured by BSA on receivers similar to the No. 5 Jungle Carbine.

How does the No. 8 Mk I differ from other Lee Enfield trainers?

Unlike conversions, the No. 8 Mk I was purpose-built as a .22 trainer. It features a 'cock-on-open' action, a heavy barrel, and unique rear sight settings, including an 'H' for specialized landscape target drills, distinguishing it from earlier or simpler trainers.

What are the key features of the No. 8 Mk I rifle?

Key features include a heavy barrel (0.75" muzzle diameter), a weight of 8 lbs 14 oz, adjustable rear sights (25, 50, 100 yards, and 'H'), a cock-on-open bolt action, and BSA manufacturing markings indicating production around 1951-1952.

Why was the No. 8 Mk I rifle declared obsolete?

The British military declared the No. 8 Mk I rifles obsolete in 2014. They were replaced by modern .22 Savage target rifles. Despite this, they remain popular on the civilian market as capable target and plinking rifles.

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