SMLE mk I** IP

[smle addict]

I picked up my rifle yesterday. In a previous post from 2 weeks ago, I found this at a LGS. 1990's import at a decent price.

1904 Enfield produced SMLE Mk I*, converted to the IP** pattern in 1917 by RFI. Receiver, sear and trigger are EFD components. Everything else is RFI marked, inlcuding the rear sight. Nose cap looks to be "straightened" from the Mk I* to the Mk III pattern.

Spent 6 hours last night cleaning it. This thing was FILTHY. Years and years of dried/caked/solidified grease and dirt. Some minor pitting, but nothing too bad considering its age and where it served. Gave the bore a good scrub. Throat shows some wear, but the rest of the barrel is bright with strong rifling. I did find the broken stub of the cut-off plate in its slot. Replaced that with spare one I had.

Once it cools off, I'll take it to the range for a shake-down.

Information

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[Singer B]

Really nice for being 117 years old!!

[RCS]

My Enfield 1903 Mark 1** IP rebuilt RFI 1914 is serial number 37988. New barrel (nice bore) is numbered
to match action body, Fore-end matches also, front dial plate ground down. Not certain but belive the rebuilds
started in 1913 ? Windage works too, could not believe it

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Not sure there is a more interesting series of military rifles then the SMLE. They all seem to have that "been there done that several times over look".
Nice example BTW.

[RCS]

Some units stillAttachment 118792 favored the Pattern 1903 bayonet long after the Pattern 1907 was adopted

[browningautorifle]

I always like the look of those, had one myself.