I just bought a 1941 Lithgowicon SMLE, which I was assured was "unissued". You can image my fear when I did some more research and discovered the JJCO issue with "unissued" SMLEs. Had I just gotten hosed by a shifty gun store?
Nevertheless, I've subsequently done my homework: the coachwood is immaculate and has the correct markings (SLAZ), the bolt head has never been used (fired), the bore is mirror clean, the recoil plates are there, all the numbers match that should match (except there is no s/n on the muzzle cap), the correct proof, issue, and inspection marks are all there, I cannot find a single FTR stamp anywhere, the s/n is a C##### (1941), the factory marks are correct...

... and I cannot find a single JJCO NY mark anywhere on this gun, or any import mark for that matter...

I've poured over this rifle looking for anything that would tell me it isn't a factory fresh '41 Lithgow SMLE, and I've come up short.

Two questions, then:
1) Is a mint condition 1941 Lithgow SMLE too good even to be true?

2) If, IF, this rifle turns out to be an unissued, unfired 1941 SMLE, do I have something of rare enough historic value that I should refrain from shooting it?

Thanks everyone.
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