I bet you don't have one of these...

Hi Guys,

I was pleased to receive this little package today, yes I know a bog standard SMLE, .303 barrel, with no rear sight base, and the keyway cut for the foresight... But look at the markings... I am lead to believe that it's one of 4 or 6 made in about 2002 at Lithgow.

Unused, cold hammer forged, phosphated. It looks perfect. This one can stay in the safe for a while.

Very nice...

Lovely T Bone. But it begs the question, why did Lithgow make such a tiny number & so recently? Did you manage to find out?

ATB

Yes, they were made as samples/prototypes for a proposed run that ultimately proved to be prohibitive in terms of cost, and hence it never went ahead.

Ahh! Was this proposed run to satisfy the civilian market or for some small country that still has some SMLE's? Just curious.

Civilian.

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Originally Posted by tbonesmith

Yes, they were made as samples/prototypes for a proposed run that ultimately proved to be prohibitive in terms of cost, and hence it never went ahead.

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Would be interesting what the numbers and costs were at the time. I guess most of us now think that any factory run of No1/No4 barrels would be economically viable. If shooters are willing to pay Lothar Walther prices for No4 barrels, then a factory run has to be viable.

If I advertised an unused, as new, WW2 dated No1 barrel on used guns tomorrow, would it sell?

How'd you get it Tbone? You must be well connected.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Homer

If I advertised an unused, as new, WW2 dated No1 barrel on used guns tomorrow, would it sell?

How'd you get it Tbone? You must be well connected.

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I bought it on usedguns. WW2 dated unused barrels have been selling for up to $450 lately.

I have a new unused '42 dated barrel in the white. I should put pics here so you can tell me who made it...English made I think...