ShtLE No1

[GUTS]

I bought this rifle yesterday at a gun show for $135. I have a No.5 Mk1 and a Savage made No.4 Mk1 but I am just starting to gather knowledge on the early ShtLe rifles.
I have photographed all the stamps I could find but of course I do not know what they are all about except for the maybe the British proofs. The rifle is of course dirty and looks like it will clean up okay and the bore has strong rifleing but is dark and pitted. I still think it will shoot. Has the butt plate been replaced? The buttstock is loose in the socket and I haven't been able to get the butt plate screws loose so I can tighten it up, they are stuck good.
I worked a couple of the rustier spots with 0000 steel wool and oil and they did clean up fine.

Information

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[Beerhunter]

I'd say that you have a bit of a bargain there.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

I'd say that you have a bit of a bargain there.

Based on what I have been paying I'd say you made a bit of an understatement there. Nice score & pictures!

[Beerhunter]

Based on what I have been paying I'd say you made a bit of an understatement there.

I'm English. That's what we do.

BTW, ref a previous post. The volley sights are not necessarily for "Indirect Fire". Volley sights can and were used for "Direct Fire".

John's description of the use of volley sights is a good one.

[Frederick303]

Irish SMLE MK I***

4015 of them were Imported by Interarms in February of 1961 directly from ireland. That is the only known import of these rifles into the US of A.

CR indicates the rifle has the MK III sight protector added, as well as having the rear sight assembly replaced with that of a SMLE MK III*.

I have a database of these rifles (~125 to date )and about 40 percent come up as CR rifles, the rest are ER and G marked.

The N on the blank stock disc is a naval marking, or so I am lead to believe, this is seen on many of these rifles. Your bolt is a recycled MLE bolt, not all that common to see on these rifles.

The WWII stamped safety spring is also seen on these rifles, many unserviceable rifles were reworked and issued during the great "emergency"in Ireland between 1939 and 1945. A large spares order from the UK in late 1941/early 1942 allowed this.

Very good deal and a nice example of this type of rifle.

If you are interested check out the gunboard forums there is a more detailed discussion on these rifles on that site, along with many of the areas that are subject to debate at this time.

regards

Frederick303

[RCS]

Very difficult to find in the USA without the CR, ER or G prefix with a new serial number. This BSA 1906 Mark 1*** is serial number s over 87176 with matching bolt,rear sight and '06 barrel and still with original serial number

[GUTS]

Thanks for the great information fellas. Which of the marks denotes it was Irish issued?

[RCS]

Most of them will have the old serial number lined out and the new serial number with the prefix of CR or ER being the Irish issue. Not sure on the G marked, photo shows a Enfield 1904 with both original serial and Irish serial lined out with the new serial G 839 (bolt is G 837). Check your barrel to find the date could still be original

[Badger]

Nice rifle partner and at a good price ...

Check the MKL for another example of a MkI*** ...

1907 ShtLE (Short Lee-Enfield) MkI*** Rifle

Also, an original untouched 1903 Mk1 ...

1903 ShtLE (Short Lee-Enfield) Mk1 Rifle

Regards,
Doug

[Warren]

Here's another one for your list. Just happened to be trying to keep out of the snow and ckeaning up this one a bit today.
This rifle, an LSA, has been downgraded to EY/2 and is still a no star, but again renumbered. The rifle is probably best described as a "bingo card".
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