Enfield help, What do I have? Lots of Pics

[Fremen]

So got this No1 Mk3 awhile back on a trade.

Never really took a good look at it until a couple weeks ago..
It is a little different then your normal
I have already posted this on CGN but figured I should post it here as well.
Larger Images can be found here

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Lee Enfield]

a commercial SMLE set up as a target rifle

[Son]

Yep... Made by BSA for the commercial market, then worked over by AG Parker. Looks like it hasn't been messed with in any way since too. A great score in any mans book!

[Simon P]

The inspectors marks on the barrel & action, near to the serial numbers appear to be Enfield?

[Fremen]

Is the knearling on the sights normal for an SMLE

[Mk VII]

The inspectors marks on the barrel & action, near to the serial numbers appear to be Enfield?

Government viewer's mark, to show it conforms to the specification - required for competition purposes.
I'd expect to see knurling on the backsight at this point.

[Peter Laidler]

A small point, but I'm not sure that I'd agree that partaking in any competition that I know of would warrant a Government Inspectors mark. Not even a proof mark judging from the amount of Army rifles that I used to borrow to use in competitions. OR am I missing something?

[newcastle]

I find it interesting that there doesn't appear to be a crown as such on the barrel. Just a flat end. My Winchester 1895 in .303 British has a similar muzzle like a flat saw cut and it's pretty accuarate. Was this deemed to be more accurate for target shooting but for military purposes they had a crown that was also recessed to protect against damage?

[Mk VII]

Private rifles used in NRA competitions were required to have undergone government view to ensure the user is not pulling a fast one with target-grade barrels, unauthorised stocking, etc.

Textbook Of Small Arms, 1904


“ After breeching up, the body and barrel, the bolt and bolt-head are assembled with their components, and sent to be proved by the inspection department, after the body, barrel, sight leaf and bolt have been stamped with the same number…..the body, barrel and bolt-head are marked with the proof mark, and the barrel with the view mark and date.
The viewer’s mark consists of a number below a crown, the letters E or B are also put on to denote the place of manufacture. The marks are placed on the left side of the body, and on the left side of the barrel close to the junction of the barrel and body.
Private rifles or carbines that have been submitted for a modified inspection to the Small Arms Inspection Department after they have been finished and are found to be in general conformity with Service patterns, so that they may be used in matches restricted to rifles or carbines of Government pattern, are marked with the above marks on the right side instead of on the left.”