I came across this SMLE with a floating charger in a museum display case recently which may be of interest. Is anyone able to tell us more about the floating charger, please?
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I came across this SMLE with a floating charger in a museum display case recently which may be of interest. Is anyone able to tell us more about the floating charger, please?
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The Mark 1 and variations had a forged charger guide on the left side of the action and a sliding guide attached to the left bolt lug. With this method, you could recharge the magazine with five round chargers. Older rifles were also converted.
Most common today is the Mark 1***
The stock in your photo is a Mark 111
Sliding charger guide was used on SMLE MkI and derivatives and SMLE Converted MkII. The MkII had a lump brazed and riveted on the rhs of the body to activate the guide.