MLE Mk 1 or CLLM?

Hello all,

I am seeking opinions on a potential purchase. A close friend of mine just came into possession of two very beautiful longs lee's at a recent estate sale. Both are for sale, but I can only afford one. So please feel free to express which way you'd go.

Both rifles are commercial BSA models. Both barrels are marked "special nickel steel" and "for cordite use only" with the BSA stacked rifles logo.

One is a MLE Mk 1*. Wood, barrel, and bluing are immaculate. Numbers matching throughout. It has a matching bolt, but no safety. I was told this was a option from the factory for target shooters. Has PH target sights installed.

Other rifle is a BSA commercial action Charger Loading Lee Metford. I looked down the barrel and it is a seven-groove metford barrel. Barrel is in good shape, with a little frosting between the lands. Wood is in good shape as is the bluing, but has a mismatched (but correct) bolt with safety on cocking piece. Also has PH sights installed.

I can't post photos because I forgot to take pictures when viewing them. I am in the process of selling off a couple of other firearms to offset this purchase. I am leaning towards the MLE as it is beter condition of the two, but I know the CLLM is a real rarity.

Opinions/comments are appreciated.

Thanks

Personally I would prefer the MLM 1*. they are beautiful rifles - the stock with finger grooves and cutoff scoop, the early bolt and bolt cover, the sling swivel arrangement, and the 8 round magazine are iconic early features. If it has a shooting bore, then I would not hesitate, as a shootable Metford-rifled barrel is a rare beast.
[As far as I know, no MLM 1* had provision for a safety catch].
But that's just my personal preference.

whoops I mis-read your original post - it's a MLE 1* not an MLM 1* - Cancel my remarks above. Sorry. I hate myself.

No hate necessary!

If it were a MLM Mk 1*, it would be home with me!

That being said, which would you chose?

No contest in my mind...the Lee Metford.

Metford rifled barrels were very popular with the target shooting community in the day.
A Metford rifled barrel could still be ordered as an option from BSA on their commercial rifles up into the 1920s.
Metford rifling is just fine with modern smokeless powders.
Plus the rifle is charger loading, which makes it a rare bird.

Do you have room in your safe for both?

I do have room for both, but presently, the only thing in my wallet is lint!

Thanks for the feedback.

Smle addict: Personally I think I'd go for the MLE I*. A commercial "Long Lee" can be very nice but I think the extra cost for a rare CLLE would be better spent on a Govt. Issue example (with all it's interesting markings).

Ridolpho

Quote:

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Originally Posted by smle addict

Both are for sale, but I can only afford one...

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Please allow me to clarify your position:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by smle addict

Both are for sale, but I can only afford one... AT THE MOMENT

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Nothing is for ever, including the state of your wallet.

So if the seller is a friend or someone with whom you have a good working relationship, this is the way to go:
Agree the price for each rifle.

Buy the more expensive one NOW AND mortgage the dog or whatever it takes to put down a deposit on the second one. Your friend, having seen that you have made the effort so far, should be inclined to accept that your motivation is sufficient to get the cash for the remaining price on the second rifle - in due time. Of course, it will be necessary to agree a time limit (weeks, months, but not years). X down plus Y a week should do it. And the fact that the remainder will be somewhat less than the sum already paid makes it seem much more achievable (which it is).

Otherwise, whichever one you get, be prepared for eternal regret that you didn't get the other when you had the chance!

In my experience the only purchase you regret is the one you don't make. At least 98% of the time.

They never come around again and if they do its not anywhere as near as good as the one you passed up, ain't that the truth............................

Well gentlemen,

You have pushed me off the edge! Although in reality, it didn't take much of a push, more of a slight nudge...

I had been contemplating over which to buy, and your comments helped solidify my decision to buy both. Suffice to say, I did not have to mortgage the dog!

The CLLM came home with me today, as it qualified as an antique. As I peeked under the handguard, I found four serial numbers; two on the barrel and two on the receiver-neither of which match each other. The handguard has a penciled serial number that matches the receiver. The rear sight matches one of the barrel serial numbers, and the bolt is a mis-matched sparkbrook item. Barrel is better than I thought; very shiny with very little wear of the metford-rifling. Very interesting bitser. And from the pics, it has a period correct BSA target sight. Bluing is very deep and shiny, and wood is finely figured.

The last three pics are of the MLE. It is a post 1898 gun, so it has to wait at the shop for 10 days (California wait period). I'll pick it up in a couple of weeks. I did manage to snap some photos of the receiver area of this rifle. When It finally comes home, I'll post more photos.

I am very happy with the purchase. Thanks to all who offered comments.

The numbers are certainly unusual combinations; not sure what to make of that except the fact that target shooters often paid no attention to such things and swapped parts around as they felt necessary.
The "TG1", "TG2" adn "TG3" stamps are a bit mysterious

The two serial numbers are actually one serial number, and one register number from the factory who, for a charge of one shilling and sixpence, marked the arm to signify that it had been factory inspected and found to comply to military specs to allow it to be used in service rifle competitions.

These registry numbers are only found on military style private sale arms. The ledger number is usually accompanied by a crowned factory inspector marking, which often misleads some collectors to believe that their commercial arm has seen military service.

Hello again,

I was able to pick up the other rifle today. It's a beautiful commercial MLE Mk I, but has no safety. The cocking piece is numbered to the rifle, so I'm guessing this was an option offered by BSA (?)

Also, the rear sight (barrel mounted) appears to be a vernier style sight, but I think it might be missing the ventometer. Any ideas as to what type of sight this is? It is unmarked, and I can't find anything resembling it on the web.

When I get it to the range, I'll post some more pics.

That is a very interesting and unusual barrel sight. I have never seen that model before. Is there a maker's name or mark on it anywhere?

It resembles the service pattern backsight with adjustable windgauge, but larger and with better markings. On the service pattern a pin or piece of wire was inserted to release spring tension and allow the windgauge to be slid left or right.

I believe this sight would have been adjusted with the separate vernier similar to this one:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...CaaEnWLz-1.jpg