Short barrel lithgow SMLE

[Bruce_in_Oz]

Not sure whether the "S & L' was prototyped as a "concept" before further formal "trial" production, BUT there is (was) a drawing at Lithgow that shows BOTH variants (short and intermediate).

I will see if I can dig out the reference number for it.

There were definitely a significant number of drawings prepared for the special barrel and rear-sight / modified charger bridge.

Furthermore, it was not "Shortened and Lightened" just for jungle-bashing, but was intended for use by airborne troops. It was thus the platform for the famous "Machete Bayonet", itself correctly called, "Bayonet, Parachutist", and noted as such on the factory drawings.

Some of the other "short" Lithgow '07 bayonets are also tied in with this project, and with the concurrent development of the "Owen" SMG.

[Bindi2]

Time for another TARP meeting

[Lithy]

Time for another TARP meeting

At least Son's new best mate won't have to travel to attend

[Peter Laidler]

Just from that one close-up, I wouldn't call that professionally done SuperB. Warren has the answer. All the chop-jobs have the obvious muzzle job - just like that.

Annanuvverfing........... While I appreciate that accuract ain't high on the list of priorities for a short jungle type rifle, a degree of zeroable accuracy certainly IS! And the barrel length of those shorties puts them inbetween two suitable barrel lengths. For reasons best known to the ballisticians out there it is the standard length or a much shorter (than shown) length that gives optimum accuracy. Something to do with the harmonics. But as I ain't got a degree in music, that's above my head

[Bruce_in_Oz]

For the archivists:

The drawing for the "body" specifically for the "Rifle, .303", Intermediate",(including charger bridge mods), is C-4595

That for the actual sight components is: C-4746.