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04-12-2025 01:31 PM
# ADS
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Nice find, I'm sure you noticed that not being III* marked while missing the cutoff and having the later beech forend would tend to indicate a restoration from a sporter by someone.
The different font and overall appearance suggests the nosecap was also numbered at a different time than the magazine etc.
Minor points though for such an early rifle. The butt looks like it has been there a long time, so the fact that the marking disc inlet has been plugged might indicate something about its history.
Windage backsight with bone grips? Maybe take off the rear handguard and have a look at the barrel date?
Last edited by Surpmil; 04-17-2025 at 01:52 PM.
“There are invisible rulers who control the destinies of millions. It is not generally realized to what extent the words and actions of our most influential public men are dictated by shrewd persons operating behind the scenes.”
Edward Bernays, 1928
Much changes, much remains the same. 
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Contributing Member
The barrel serial number matches the rest of the rifle. I hate taking the rear handguards off as I'm afraid of breaking them. I don't think it had been recently removed as there was a bit of cosmoline
on the barrel. I think this an Arsenal reconditioned rifle, as according to page 6 of Stratton, "Many (perhaps most) early Mk III rifles were "arsenal reconditioned" at which time the volley sights were often removed and new furniture was often installed."
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Advisory Panel

Originally Posted by
Neuraleanus
The barrel serial number matches the rest of the rifle. I hate taking the rear handguards off as I'm afraid of breaking them. I don't think it had been recently removed as there was a bit of
cosmoline
on the barrel. I think this an Arsenal reconditioned rifle, as according to page 6 of Stratton, "Many (perhaps most) early Mk III rifles were "arsenal reconditioned" at which time the volley sights were often removed and new furniture was often installed."
Could be, though wasn't the SOP that the "III" be changed to "III*" when the cutoff was removed?
“There are invisible rulers who control the destinies of millions. It is not generally realized to what extent the words and actions of our most influential public men are dictated by shrewd persons operating behind the scenes.”
Edward Bernays, 1928
Much changes, much remains the same. 
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Contributing Member

Originally Posted by
Surpmil
Could be, though wasn't the SOP that the "III" be changed to "III*" when the cutoff was removed?
Good question. I have a another rifle, a Mk III* rebuilt using Indian furniture. The important distinction is the receiver. There is no slot for the magazine cutoff.
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Legacy Member
As I recall, the 111+* also ditched the rear-sight windage adjustment in favour of a "fixed "aperture cap".
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