I came across a 1918 SMLE this weekend at a local pawn shop. I've been considering a purchase, but don't want to impulse buy without a little knowledge. Being completely unfamiliar with anything other than US military rifles I was hoping for some advice.

This one has matching SN on the receiver, nose cap and bolt (3054 if I remember correctly). The band on the wrist had the date 1918 with III* underneath. Don't remember the manufacturer. Bore was dark, dirty and didn't appear to have very aggressive rifling. You could see it, but it wasn't real distinctive. Wood was in good shape. Didn't notice any markings, but didn't really look either. Can't tell about any other markings because I didn't know what to look for.

The biggest concern I had was the barrel condition. I would like to shoot it, but not sure how well it would shoot. I know a dark bore doesn't mean it won't shoot straight, but the lack of very distinctive rifling troubles me. Anything else I need to look for? I have no idea if it headspaces or not either. Any thoughts from anyone?

I'm looking for a nice example of the primary martial firearms of the all the Allies in WW2 at reasonable prices. I know this is early for WW2, but it would have been used in that time period I assume. Asking price is $350
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