Recommended Books for New SMLE Owner

[dangles]

I just purchased a '41 Lithgow No. 1 Mk III* and wanted to get a good book to help ID stuff and learn some more about the Lee Enfields in general. What are a couple of books you'd recommend?

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[SMcGeown]

The Lee-Enfield: A Century of Lee-Metford & Lee-Enfield Rifles & Carbines by Ian Skennerton is one of the best books out there. I bought mine from AbeBooks.com. Its well worth the price tag.

[Brian Dick]

"The Lee Enfield" as mentioned above is the bible. Ian Skennerton's Small Arms ID Series booklets are also a great value at $10 each. I keep them on my desk so I can reference the illustrated parts lists readily when verifying parts orders as there are so many different nomenclatures used for ID.

[Aussie48]

What others have said the Bible is The Lee Enfield and the starter as Brian said is Small Arms Identification Series S.A.I.S No 1 both by Ian Skennerton (an Aussie). Suggest you get the S.A.I.S No 1 first as it has some good information in regards stripping without causing damage.

[ssj]

If you have a Kindle some books are available "fast" and low cost via amazon. I like the kindle as you can then carry only one thing the size of a book to auctions etc. However you'll likely need at least 2 different publications to cross reference against.

[bigduke6]

Any of Ian Skenertons books but "the bible" is the best book out there.

[CINDERS]

Another not to common one is the Lee Enfield Rifle By Major E.B Reynolds they are a tad pricey though I have 2 x HC of Ian Skennertons and the SC Accurising them also a swag of others, there is a wealth of info in books out there but I concur with forumers Skennertons books are well researched.

[dangles]

Thanks everybody. What about this one?

British Enfield Rifles, Vol. 1, SMLE (No.1) Mk I and Mk III (Internet Workshop Series) (For collectors only): Charles R. Stratton: 9781882391165: Amazon.com: Books

[Ridolpho]

dangles: I have that one (as well as all the other references mentioned) and I continue to find it useful. You might as well get the other volume in this series dealing with the No. 4 rifle while you're at it. The big Skennerton book is out there all by itself with nothing else close- at least a full month of enjoyment reading it (the first time).

Ridolpho

[Mk VII]

Sweet's Competitive Rifle Shooting for an Australian perspective. (one of the pre-7.62mm editions)