MLE Mk 1 or CLLM?

[smle addict]

Well gentlemen,

You have pushed me off the edge! Although in reality, it didn't take much of a push, more of a slight nudge...

I had been contemplating over which to buy, and your comments helped solidify my decision to buy both. Suffice to say, I did not have to mortgage the dog!

The CLLM came home with me today, as it qualified as an antique. As I peeked under the handguard, I found four serial numbers; two on the barrel and two on the receiver-neither of which match each other. The handguard has a penciled serial number that matches the receiver. The rear sight matches one of the barrel serial numbers, and the bolt is a mis-matched sparkbrook item. Barrel is better than I thought; very shiny with very little wear of the metford-rifling. Very interesting bitser. And from the pics, it has a period correct BSA target sight. Bluing is very deep and shiny, and wood is finely figured.

The last three pics are of the MLE. It is a post 1898 gun, so it has to wait at the shop for 10 days (California wait period). I'll pick it up in a couple of weeks. I did manage to snap some photos of the receiver area of this rifle. When It finally comes home, I'll post more photos.

I am very happy with the purchase. Thanks to all who offered comments.