Geezer, here is the link with an interesting explanation as to the three types of rifling, with pros and cons:
https://www.nrafamily.org/articles/2...-pros-vs-cons/
Meanwhile, I have now counted the rifling grooves in both my Mk3s: in one, the rifling seems to be more pronounced and it appears to have 11-12 grooves. In the second, the rifling is less pronounced but also appears to have 11 grooves - difficult to be certain and I used a torch at the muzzle end.
I then compared this with the Mk3, which is mid to late '60s, belonging to a friend (which I recently stripped, cleaned and re-lubricated). It appears to have 7 grooves in the rifling.
Now, it could be that this is all irrelevant and I am barking up the wrong tree but, given the vital importance of the barrel in terms of accuracy, I think I am on to something! My conclusion, therefore - albeit perhaps controversial to those with older rifles - is that the Mk3 was at its best from an accuracy viewpoint in the '70s, despite some areas (such as the loading tap lever), where costs had been cut. I would still like to have more comparisons from other owners to prove my point, which is taken from only six rifles, two of which are from a contributor to this thread. To those, therefore, who wish to add a Mk3 to their collection, from an accuracy viewpoint it would be preferable to seek a 1970s model. That said, I do not know the date at which button rifling was installed for the Mk3. That would be helpful information, if it exists.
Originally Posted by andrewM
Geezer, here is the link with an interesting explanation as to the three types of rifling, with pros and cons:
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