Question Regarding Volley or Long Range Sights on the No 1 Mk III

[Bluenoser]

Roy, Thanks for posting the photos. It is readily apparent the end result was well worth the effort.

This has developed into an informative and entertaining thread. Thanks to all who have chimed in. I have a renewed appreciation for Eastern Canada. I wouldn’t consider Mk IIIs scarce here, just not nearly as common as Mk III*. I picked up the C-broad arrow marked 1916 in question at a gun show this fall for less than $100.00, and had others to choose from. With regard to long-range sights, the posted dates ranged from 1907 to 1916. Most were 1915 and 1916, although it should be noted most of the 1916s were Lithgows. I am now confident BSA did produce long range sight equipped Mk IIIs in 1916 and will restore this one accordingly.

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[Surpmil]

...I am now confident BSA did produce long range sight equipped Mk IIIs in 1916 and will restore this one accordingly.

I think there was a discussion of when the MkIII to MkIII* change-over occurred exactly and what features were dropped and when. IIRC quotes from original docs of the time suggested that certain features sometimes persisted on early MkIII* rifle as stocks of parts were used up by the manufacturers.

Someone much more knowledgeable than I about SMLEs may have already made that point here - I haven't read it all.

[5thBatt]

Here's some auctions that ended last night on NZs Trademe all a bit rich for me without holding them in hand.
Collectors Item .303 Lee Enfield SMLE Mk I * 1906 | Trade Me
Collectors Item .303 Lee Enfield SMLE Mk III 1910 | Trade Me
Collectors Item .303 Lee Enfield No4 Mk I NO STAR | Trade Me