1916 Shortened SMLE Enfield?

[Peter Laidler]

Can anyone shed any light on this series of shortened SMLE rifles. This particular example is an Enfield Mk3 dated 1916 so not from the Lithgow stable. It is housed at the Weapons collection at Warminster. There is no signs of true 'lightening' as such, just shortened although as if to 'balance ' the rifle, the butt is slimmed right down front to rear as per the No5 style. But alas, nothing else visible. The backsight slide has been recalibrated but only to 800. Alongside is a 2 foot steel rule for sizing.

Just for interest, everything up to the band is standard and the band sling loop is positioned exactly where the nose cap loop would be. The nose cap sits back against the band There is no cut-and-shut bodginess (or bubba-ing in wild colonial language) or rough dodgy joints........................ Recoils like a No5 too

Any ideas Forumers?

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.