No1. Mk III usage in WWII?

[garrettbragg12]

I'm finally getting close to having one nice example of every country's rifle during WWII, and I'm down to Germany and Britain. I tried to do some Google-fu and there was just too much information to comprehend. So here's my issue, I want to obtain on example of a Lee Enfield for my collection, and from what I've read the No.4's were primary enfield of WWII. However, I love the look and accessories on the No. Mk III's (volley sights, cut off, overall look) and I wanted to know if these were used heavily in WWII. Thanks for you time and viewing!

Information

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[Paul S.]

Britain, Canada and New Zealand transitioned to the No. 4 rifle over a number of years as the war progressed, while Australia kept the No. 1 Mk. III right through, on through Korea and on. I suspect you would be hard pressed to find a photo of many No.4 rifles in service before late 1942 or even mid 1943.

[Colonel Enfield]

Australia, New Zealand, India and the UK all used the Mk III/Mk III* (AKA the SMLE) extensively throughout WWII. The English continued to make them until at least the early 1940s and the Australians and Indians kept making them right through the war and for many years after (1955 for Australia, possibly as late as the 1980s for India).

[Roger Payne]

IIRC the last British made SMLE's are the dispersal rifles assembled in 1944, & as mentioned above Australia & India produced the SMLE even post WW2, so I think the OP could quite reasonably take his pick of either a SMLE or a No4 - or why not get one of each?!?

[garrettbragg12]

IIRC the last British made SMLE's are the dispersal rifles assembled in 1944, & as mentioned above Australia & India produced the SMLE even post WW2, so I think the OP could quite reasonably take his pick of either a SMLE or a No4 - or why not get one of each?!?

You guys are terrible enablers, and the reason my wallet hates me, LOL!

But seriously, thanks for all the info guys, y'all are great! I think I will go ahead with the No. 1, and possibly add a No. 4 later on once I've finished all the countries!

Just out of curiosity, what can I expect to pay for a nice matching Mk.III/Mk. III* with all the goodies? I tried using gun broker as an idea but there weren't many on there!

[CINDERS]

Hope you can stop at 1 or 2 as allot of us here have developed Smellie Itis (Australian version) an incurable thing I have been told...........

[scoobsean]

You need a No 5 too

[Seaspriter]

Canadian Long Branch No.4 Mk I limited production started in 1941; Mk I* in 1942-5, then resumed 49-50 for the Korean War. Canadian troops used the No.1Mk III in WWII and the No.4.

American Savage Stevens Lend-Lease No.4 Mk I production started in 1941-42; Mk I* production 1942-44.

You will need two No.5 Jungle Carbines -- one from Fazakerley, one from BSA

[harry mac]

You will need two No.5 Jungle Carbines -- one from Fazakerley, one from BSA

You're a bad man Seaspriter, that way lies madness and you know it. Before he realises what's happening he'll be looking at his "Enfield" MkIII and his "Fazackerly" No4.... and his TWO No5's, and he'll get itching to acquire a BSA, LSA, Peddled Scheme and Dispersal MkIII to go with the one he's got, and a Maltby, Savage and Long Branch to keep his Faz company.
Oh, and a Long Lee, and a CLLE and....and....

[Paul S.]

Harry ....