SMLE Mk I** IP purchase

[smle addict]

Friday afternoon, I was stuck in traffic on a local southern california freeway (the dreaded 405). To kill time and to give my blood pressure a rest, I dropped into Martin Rettings gun shop in Culver City. Their handguns shelves were nearly cleaned out; glocks, HKs, and sig's were extinct. Ammo shelves either empty or stocked with the odd 50 round box for $80. Their C&R rack looked pretty well stocked, and I spied four smle Mk IIIs, all 90's imports, brought in from an estate sale. There were two Ishapores, 1965 and 1968 dated, in good shape, all matching with mirror bores. They were asking $495 each. There was an early enfield Mk III, 1912, with volley sights, cut off, and adjustable windage. It was a bitser, with nothing matching. $895.

Then I found an enfield SMLE MK I** IP. It began life as an SMLE MK I*, then upgraded to the India Pattern in 1917. Bore a bit frosty, but strong rifling. Mis-matched bolt and rear sight, but wood looks to be original (several wood patches over the years). Nosecap, barrel and receiver all matched. This is only the third one I have ever seen. I saw one last year go for $1100, and it was pretty beat up.

Paid $640. Not the best deal, but well below the auction site asking prices, and a semi-rare rifle on top of that. It was nice to see reasonably priced C&R's are still out there.

I could only take a couple of photos, as the shop was packed full of impulse buyers (me included), so they shuffled me through the process as quick as possible. The salesman said most of their business has been first time gun buyes and ammo hoarders, so the C&R side of the things slowed down. Not many places one can shoot a rifle in los angeles, unless you're a gang-member!

I managed to snap two pictures. I'll post more when I pick it up after waiting period.

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