Suggested scope mounts for sporterized Lithgow SMLE Mk III

Hello everyone,

My great-grandfather bought a sporterized Lithgow 1941 SMLE Mk III* many decades ago and used it for deer hunting. My dad just inherited it, and we're looking for scope mounting solutions that are not necessarily historically correct, as this is a sporter, but will also look decent.

Some folks online are using Weaver rail mounts, and they just look ridiculous to me.

I'm thinking of topping it with an old blued steel Weaver K3 or K4. But I need some advice on the best types of mounts.

Thanks in advance!

well personally I would go for the No.32s mount, however it isn't the cheapest and it is more of a phaf to fit than some.

If you don't want to drill and tap the action, S&K made a no-drill scope mount for the SMLE. This subject was discussed here: https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=31859

Your best bet is probably a steel "scout" type scope mount which replaces the backsight arm, combined with a LER scope such as the Leupold M8 2x.

Just to confirm...any of the No. 32 scope mounts will fit the Mk3, right? It doesn’t necessarily have to be specifically made for the Mk3?

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Originally Posted by BluegrassDan

Just to confirm...any of the No. 32 scope mounts will fit the Mk3, right? It doesn’t necessarily have to be specifically made for the Mk3?

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No none. Different shaped action.