SMLE help

[wmassregulators]

I just recently got back into shooting and decided to tackle a project I have been puting off since I was in High school,
I have a SMLE that was given to me by a friend of the family that we used to hunt with and I need help identifing exactly what I have.
it is stamped "made in England" by the saftey.
it is stamped sht le III near the trigger group, but it does not have a full length stock like I have seen on other MK III SMLEs, instead it has a stock similar to the jungle carbine stock but with no cutout for a sling, and it has no flash hider or bayonet lug.
I was thinking that it just might be a hacked togther from parts gun, but all the numbers that I can find match.
I can post pictures later (after work)
thanks for any help in advance

Alan

 

[wmassregulators]

I am sorry I seem to have put this in the wrong section, if a mod could move this or I will delete and put it in the correct forum

 

[terraformer]

I just recently got back into shooting and decided to tackle a project I have been puting off since I was in High school,
I have a SMLE that was given to me by a friend of the family that we used to hunt with and I need help identifing exactly what I have.
it is stamped "made in England" by the saftey.
it is stamped sht le III near the trigger group, but it does not have a full length stock like I have seen on other MK III SMLEs, instead it has a stock similar to the jungle carbine stock but with no cutout for a sling, and it has no flash hider or bayonet lug.
I was thinking that it just might be a hacked togther from parts gun, but all the numbers that I can find match.
I can post pictures later (after work)
thanks for any help in advance

Alan

Post pictures but it seems like it is a No1, MkIII that has been sporterized. My friend has one that looks as you described. It would help to post pictures of any lettering on the receiver and the barrel. The stock is likely swapped and useless to determining the real identity of the firearm. The bayo lug was part of an appendage under the forestock, so likely has been removed.

 

[wmassregulators]

here are the pics

if you need any more please let me know

 

[Tommy Gun]

I can't tell if the barrel was cut down but if not you could pick up some replacement parts to return it to its original look. I just did this with a No4 Mk1. You can try Springfield Sporters or e-gun parts. It might cost more than its worth right now but I picked up the pieces over time and I like mine much better now.

Tommy

 

[terraformer]

That's a late production SMLE No1, Mk III*. The star denotes a post 1915 production with
no magazine cut-off, long range volley sights, or backsight windage adjustment.
BSA is the factory. Everything looks in order to be able to put that back into original shape. You wont be able to find a numbered front cap/bayo lug assembly but there are plenty of them around at parts houses so you will be able to find something with a different number. The rear sight looks off but that is probably the picture and the fact that MK III* versions had different sights than the MK IIIs.

 

[wmassregulators]

the rear sight is wrecked, the prev. owner cut it off with a hacksaw

 

[terraformer]

the rear sight is wrecked, the prev. owner cut it off with a hacksaw

That explains why it didn't look right. Not sure you can fix that without bubble gum and sticky tape (meaning it will look ugly) but maybe you can get something reasonably nice.

 

[NinerMaine]

Enfield

That is a nice late war enfield. If it were in as issued configuation it would be worth about $300 to a collector. The rifle originally had numbered parts on the receiver, the nosecap, the bolt handle, the barrel and the rear sight leaf. The nose cap is gone but do the other parts match?

It the cut up condition it is in, the worst part being the rear sight, I would not pay more than $100.

Is it just the rear sight leaf that is cut or is the base cut as well. It is hard to tell from the photos. If it is just the leaf that is an easy fix. The "Made in England" stamp is an early import mark and is more desireable to the later ones. Besides the rear sight, you will need a forend, the front and rear handguards ( the rear handguard on yours is missing the ears that extend around the rear sight base), the nosecap, a front and rear barrel band and some small parts such as screws and such for all those parts. Getting the color of the metal on all these parts to match may be tricky.

The hardest thing to replace will be the stock pieces. To find an original English made set that matches in color for all 4 pieces will be an extremely difficult thing to do. If you find a set and it is under $150 snap it up. Be warry of Indian stock sets... they do not really fit well and are very oversized for the English parts. Springfield sporters is probably your best bet.

 

[wmassregulators]

thank you all for the info, the base for the sight is fine. they cut the leaf off (rather crudely) but there is no damage that I can tell other then that

 

[NinerMaine]

thank you all for the info, the base for the sight is fine. they cut the leaf off (rather crudely) but there is no damage that I can tell other then that

That is an easy fix then.

 

[Tommy Gun]

Good call on the rear sights. Remember its your rifle, do what you think would be best.

It is true about the Indian stock sets, I tried one and it was way oversized.

I went with Springfield Sporters for most of the missing metal and I'm pleased with the results. The wood doesn't match yet but that will be a project for another time.

I am planning on bringing my No4 Mk1 to the pumkin shoot.

Tommy