Any idea what this rifle that I saw hanging on a wall might be?
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Any idea what this rifle that I saw hanging on a wall might be?
Looks to be an SMLE .303 Lee Enfield, with the magazine cut off in place which is very uncommon for these rifles.
Most all magazine cut offs were removed when they re did the older No.1 MkIII rifles to the MkIII* standard.
Can't see the rear sight well enough to tell if it has the windage adjustment wheel. If both features are intact its a pretty good find. If the volley sight on the left side were there it would be really neat.
PS
To the above.
Since the rear sight protector is missing I'm guessing the fore end has been cut down as well. The fore ends are sometimes available but the other fittings like muzzle cap and bands can run up the cost of restoration.
If sporterized the value is severely reduced, maybe $150 at most, perhaps less if it has other issues.
I saw it on a wall while on vacation and it was bugging me trying to figure out what it was. Here's one more pic:
+1 on it being an SMLE .303 BRITISH. Here is a picture of mine foe some comparison. Attachment 203423
Lee Metford maybe but Long Lee judging by the cocking piece and mag cutoff? Not an SMLE but close?
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Looks like a standard SMLE/ShtLE/No.1 MkIII to me that's been sporterized
I own a 1918 SSA made version which lacks the mag-cutoff but otherwise appears same. Lee Enfields made pre WWI and in the early wartime years had the mag cutoff which was deleted later in the war years. These were made by quite a few countries and companies...RFI in India made a variation of the same rifle well into the 1960's. In Great Britain Enfield, BSA, Sparkbrook, LSA, SSA/NRF, and probably other firms made these.
The newer No.4 MkI/II were also made by many firms and countries...including Savage in the US. These differ considerably from the older No.1MkIII. I have seen quite a few Lee Enfields converted to sporters and the old .303 has been a fairly popular round for hunting.
They are fascinating rifles with all the marks & *'s and all. I like mine even though it's pitted and bubba'd. It's a 1916 BSA shtle.
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This will help you get a feel for your find
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-st...uOYJ5BgEEoDdqm
I saw the rifle on the wall at the Fort Hays Old West Town & Dances with Wolves Movie Set near Rapid City, SD. It was hanging in the rope making shop, and it caught my eye.
Pre 1916 SMLE no 1.mk3 with mag cut off and it has the old button style cocking piece and the last variation adjustable rear sight, most are pined during refurbishment.
Be well
Quote:
Originally Posted by Artful
Thanks Art!