Unissued No1 MkV SMLE

[Paul S.]

Having seen numerous No1 Mk5's, sorry to say but it looks like a complete refurb,
Butt looks like a savage no4, and there is no marking disk! Bolt head has Australian markings, and the top hand guards should have rivets either side ot the centre band. Nose cap and bolt have also been renumbered at some point.
All that said, still a rare rifle so a nice find!

I agree with the above. The bolt head is clearly stamped "MA".

[Simon P]

I wonder if the fore-end is original or repro?

There doesnt seem to be any wood patching where the rear sight protector would have been on a MkIII fore-end?

Also look at the reinforcing cross screw / pin in the fore-end at the rear near the butt socket, the wood looks like it has been punched to replicate the presence of a screw

[bigduke6]

I wonder if the fore-end is original or repro?

There doesnt seem to be any wood patching where the rear sight protector would have been on a MkIII fore-end?

Also look at the reinforcing cross screw / pin in the fore-end at the rear near the butt socket, the wood looks like it has been punched to replicate the presence of a screw

Its a repro, everthing else is, and the wood is just too light in colour, but its a good repro.

[mike1967]

Looks like a EFD repro fore end, i have a Shtle NoI stock from them that looks identical to this one. The butt is Aussie Coachwood. Nevertheless i have seen lesser guns for more money.

[Buccaneer]

Ok Guys, lesson learned.... don't assume you have something until you talk to people who know!!! Still look on the bright side I still have a nice looking rifle that did not cost me a lot and it has taught me and probably a lot of other people what to look for in a MkV SMLE, thanks to everyone for their input.

[Paul S.]

No worries Mate. I'm sure there are some of us who would gladly trade straight across our best Enfield for your MkV anyday and not look back.

[A square 10]

whenever i see the words "unissued" & "unfired" when it comes to these rifles i get the urge to remind that there were two world wars and a number of conflicts durring their lifetime , its hard to imagine very many being so privledged , these were not accepted but got 'used' after dunkirk most all parts were fair game and needed ,

had to relook at my rear sight -

[bigduke6]

had to relook at my rear sight -

Does it fit the bill? Nice example by the way.

[mdrim13]

Beautiful rifle, but the pitting around the wrist seems to point to some rehab in it's past.

That is exactly what I was thinking. Pitting shows on other parts as well. And the stock appears to be refinished as well, it looks somewhat glossey...