The strange-looking mount is part of an aiming-cradle for teaching sighting of the rifle in Basic. They are also really good for displaying a rifle. Originaly, they were mounted on top of a tripod.

I can understand getting rid of the bayonet boss and lug. It would remove only an ounce or so of weight but it would streamline the rifle to a great extent. If it speeded up getting the thing OUT OF a scabbard would depend to a great extent on what type of scabbard you were using. The scabbards used in this part of the world would be halfway to impossible to use quickly and easily with a regular SMLE.

I note also that the Bridge, Charger has been removed from the rifle. Again, this would be clumsy when used with some types of scabbards. Also, the grasping grooves in the wood would give a better grip on the rifle.

What puzzles me is the location of the new sling bar and swivel on the right side of the rifle, although I suppose there was a valid reason.

It would be really nice to get a better look at that butt marking disc.

Nice rifle!

THREE known to exist? Not exactly the most common of brutes, that's for sure.

I like it.
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