Printable View
Hi
I have recently purchased a SMLE 22 Trainer Serial No J3099. On the wrist LH side is stamped with a Crown GR BSA & Co 1917 SHT LE III* .22. Mag is .22 and correct with all internals removed.
I am trying to get some more background about the rifle. It has a very good bore. The stock looks to have been replaced at some point. Overall its in very good condition.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Pictures would help.
PIctures attched
Congratulations on the new rifle! My guess would be it was converted to .22 after it was sold out of service due to the lack of No. 2 Mk IV markings and the Parker Hale markings on the receiver ring. It's also interesting to note that it is equipped with a Mk I nosecap.
Its not a common commercial conversion. A proper .22 calibre barrel has been installed, rather than a reline of a used barrel.
Would it be possible for you to carefully remove the top hand-guard between the action and the rear sight (be careful - the extensions that go around the rear sight break very easily). It is held in place by two spring clips. I thought I saw something stamped on the left side of the knox form. Often more information is stamped on the barrel in front of the action.
Are there any other markings on the bolt head other than EFD?
Additonal pictures.
The bolt has marking showing 22 no 2c and the matching serial number on the handle J3099
The markings on the barrel joining the receiver are FB37
On the side of the barrel connecting to the receiver are stamped some marking but they make no sense to me, but the other marking are proof marks I think.
The barrel at the point of the rear sight is marked HV
Hopefully, Steve1152, someone a little more knowledgeable will be able to help you.
The Broad arrow stamp on the barrel would suggest it is a military conversion.
I have a 1918 .22 SMLE by Parker Hale that does not have the No2MkVI stamp; but the barrel also has the broad Arrow and dated 18. It appears to be a solid .22 barrel, not tubed.
(Unless the join is invisible). Great fun to shoot and surprisingly accurate.
Do you have a visible date stamp on the barrel?
I have a few of them. Two of them have 1948 stamped on top of the receiver
Two others have the broad C arrow stamped on them
Parker Hale made most of the guns that I have.
Most of them are solid , a few are tubed
.
congratiolation on our new rifle.
A G Parker & Parker Hale used to convert standard .303 rifles to .22, also Webley & Enfield Service Rifles.
Look for their old catalogues and you will see these rifle advertised.
Great fun to shoot, especially with the restricted access to full bore military ranges these days
Thanks Simon for your useful post.
Does that mean it has a Parker Hiscock magazine???Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve1152
The standard SMLE magazine has the platform and spring removed and serves to collect the used .22 cases. They are often stamped .22 on the side.