Article: 1903 ShtLE (Short Lee-Enfield) Mk1 Rifle

[Badger]

You can view the page at https://www.milsurps.com/content.php...eld)-Mk1-Rifle

Information

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[stevesmle]

I would class this rifle as not a Pre-Production model, but a very early commercial model, for private sale. While it is possible that it was produced as a sample for War Office production, it is of a very high quality finnish, slightly better than what was expected for a service model, also the serial number is stamped below the bolt handle on the receiver, usualy where LSA commercial rifles were stamped, and it carries commercial proofmarks. I believe as a sample it would have had at least a few government view marks, from the Government inspection deptment.
However a rare rifle in fantastic condition.

[Norman52]

Hi Fellows is this the rifle with half the charger guide machined into the body of the rifle and the other half on A lug on the dolt head, If it is I have seen two of these rifles one with most of the wood hacked of to make it lighter for hunting in the New Zealand Bush the other in good condition hanging on A gun shop wall, display only.

[paulpanagi]

Does anyone have the pre production serial numbers for the first 900 pre production model.

[Badger]

The comments section in MKL entries wasn't designed for a question and answer session, which is why we have forums.

You might have better luck asking your question in the Lee Enfield Forums (click here)

Regards,
Doug