Could anyone tell me about this SMLE magazine? It is in a 1911 SMLE Mk III, I am not sure if it is correct for this rifle.
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Could anyone tell me about this SMLE magazine? It is in a 1911 SMLE Mk III, I am not sure if it is correct for this rifle.
It is one of the earlier patterns with the swivelling lip for easy follower removal. The earliest of these were made for Mk.VI ammunition; this appears to be the No.3 pattern altered for Mk.VII and is about right for the time. Later the simplified No.4 pattern magazine case replaced it in production to become the default standard. Australia seems to have gone on making this earlier type for some time as it appears more often there.
Uncommon but not 'rare'.
Third Variation magazine found on later Mk.III rifles, made from first and second variations and used for Mk.7 ammunition.
Third variation have a "3" stamped on the lower portion of the case rib.