One of the first .22 Short Mk IV (or Rifle No. 2 Mk IV* if you prefer)

[Lance]

The newest addition to the gun room. One on the first, if not the first, .22 Short Rifle Mk IV (or more correctly .22 Pattern 1914 No.2) ever made. How can I state this, easy it was made approximately 13 years before the .22 Short Mk IV was introduced (8 years for the .22 Patt 14 No. 2)

Presenting a Commercial SMLE Mk III in factory .22 LR. All matching, bolt, cocking piece, body, barrel, rear sight. A rare example as the ratio between .303 and .22 for commercial sales greatly favored the .303. What adds to it "rareness" is that it is a LSA.

BSA and LSA were the only two factories to offer commercial examples of the SMLE with LSA stopping in 1908 or early 1909, thus the BSA/LSA ratio for commercial rifles is extremely lopsided.

But wait, there is more. This rifle was either sold complete or mostly complete to Wilkinson who then sold it or finished the bedding and then sold it. With it having a green paint dot on the side of the butt and a possible replacement front handguard (metal cap at the end is broad arrow marked, the only military mark on her) it might of been handed over to the Crown for either or both wars.

As she is one of the first, it has a custom milled bolt head, which has been modified for the Parker-Hiscock magazine (also showing it most likely saw military service). The matching factory barrel is tubed, the rear sight bed is still in Mk VI profile, small-wheeled windage knob, and early style charger bridge profile. Added bonus, the rear sight, marked out to 200 yards.

I am submitting an info request to Wilkinson's archives to see if there is any more to the story, stay tuned...

Information

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[30Three]

Certainly looks like a great find Lance. Is there any indication of the date of modification to .22?
Interesting that the sight is calibrated to 200 yards. I assume that would be for small bore target shooting. What year did the Parker-Hiscock magazine appear?

[Simon P]

The Bolt Head looks similar to the Early 20th Century .22 Conversions by Clabrough & Johnstone

[NORTHOF60]

Apparently, London Small Arms Co. Ltd. was commercially selling not only the "War Office" 1906 Pattern miniature rifle but the Lee Enfield Service Pattern Rifle (specially bored and chambered for .22 Rf or 297/230 C.F.) If you scroll down, you will see the advertisement.

Courtesy of Rifleman.org

https://www.rifleman.org.uk/War_Offi...ure_Rifle.html

[Lance]

This rifle appears to be factory made in .22 LR in 1908-09 as there are no markings showing a conversion. The Parker-Hiscock was approved 12/15