Inspired

[230Ball]

Quick background: Long time military combat/bullseye team pistol shooter, i.e., very little long gun time. Recently treated to an opportunity to handle some excellent vintage long guns, primarily '03s, and found a challenging new diversion from my many years as a pistolero. Once home, I rummaged through my meager collection, remembering my 1918 Mk III* peddled rifle in the attic (sorry, guys). I immediately thought of this web site to research the potential of my possession and came across the many outstanding contributors, especially Messrs. Laidler and Wadham, enthusiastically dedicated to the SMLE lineage. My immediate goal is to revive this great soldier and to once again put it on the line. No real questions for the forum at this point; just a pre-"thank you" for the wealth of knowledge and selfless support this group provides.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Roger Payne]

I'm glad you've been inspired to want to know more about your SMLE - but be warned, Enfielditis is addictive. You may well find that learning about one makes you want another......& another.....!

ATB

[230Ball]

Thanks, Roger, I'll proceed with caution!

[230Ball]

Starting into "the big clean" on my Peddled Scheme and then on to blueprinting. Tried looking up markings on the knox form on the internet, but thought perhaps those of you more familiar may be able to lend some assistance. Does the "49" on the barrel bottom indicate it was re-barreled in 1949?
Many thanks in advance.

[Badger]

Jay Currah's Enfield Markings and History Section

Regards,
Doug

[Roger Payne]

Hi 230Ball. It would be well worth you taking a look at the link Badger has inserted to Jay's site, but briefly, your rifle still likely has its original barrel. The '18' shown in the first of your photo's is the year of manufacture. The '49' I am unsure of, but suspect it is some sort of assembly number applied during the course of manufacture. Perhaps one of the markings guru's will correct me if I'm wrong. Incidentally, the barrel was made by BSA as indicated by the little Greek letter beta just to the left of the date.

ATB.

[230Ball]

My apologies guys for the delayed gratitude, as I immediately started tearing through the cyphers! The "49" remains somewhat of a mystery, but I agree it must be some sort of assembly number. I noticed the rectangle shape indicates "stored for emergency use or repairs." Would this mean the rifle reached a stage in its use when it no longer passed armorers' standards for re-issue?
Thanks again for the great information!