1918 smle

I came across a 1918 SMLE this weekend at a local pawn shop. I've been considering a purchase, but don't want to impulse buy without a little knowledge. Being completely unfamiliar with anything other than US military rifles I was hoping for some advice.

This one has matching SN on the receiver, nose cap and bolt (3054 if I remember correctly). The band on the wrist had the date 1918 with III* underneath. Don't remember the manufacturer. Bore was dark, dirty and didn't appear to have very aggressive rifling. You could see it, but it wasn't real distinctive. Wood was in good shape. Didn't notice any markings, but didn't really look either. Can't tell about any other markings because I didn't know what to look for.

The biggest concern I had was the barrel condition. I would like to shoot it, but not sure how well it would shoot. I know a dark bore doesn't mean it won't shoot straight, but the lack of very distinctive rifling troubles me. Anything else I need to look for? I have no idea if it headspaces or not either. Any thoughts from anyone?

I'm looking for a nice example of the primary martial firearms of the all the Allies in WW2 at reasonable prices. I know this is early for WW2, but it would have been used in that time period I assume. Asking price is $350

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jet Fixer

Anything else I need to look for?

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You should review this MKL entry and study the pic which will help you learn what you look for ... ;)

1917 ShtLE (Short Lee-Enfield) No.1 MkIII*

Also, this section in Jay Currah's Lee Enfield Web Site ..

SMLE Enfields

Here's an excellent old thread about head space, including links to articles by Peter Laidler on the subject.

Insufficient Head Space?

MKL article on headspacing ..

Headspace 101 for .303's

Regards,
Doug

Jetfixer: Yes, England, and Canada and New Zealand fought a good chunk of WW2 with the No. 1 Rifle. Australia and India both continued to manufacture it right through the war and beyond (along with BSA in England). The asking price at your pawn shop doesn't seem too bad- at a gun show here last weekend saw a number of very rough MkIII*'s for well above $500.00. However, if the riflng looks very weak you might want to shop around a bit. I've found a surprising number with original barrel and excellent rifling going right back to turn of the century rifles. Also look hard at the wood- I've personally had much more in the way of issues with forends than headspace. For starters look for a real snug fit between the rear of the forend and the "cheeks". The forend on Lee Enfield plays a rather different role than the one piece stocks on Springfields, M1917's etc. Good luck with it!

Ridolpho

A dark bore would not concern me but lack of rifling would

I'm going to take another look at it and get a better idea of what they have. Thanks for the input.