SMLE trainer

[rdrash]

Hello, I picked up a Lee trainer that has me a little confused. Its a 1916 no 1 mk3 in .22 with a BSA .22 barrel not a liner. The stamp on the wrist is Sht LE III* and has not been scratched out and replaced with IV or what ever is for .22 trainers. There is very little other stamps on this gun. Is this a commercial conversion? It is in very nice shape and very accurate. I don't know much about Enfields and even less about the .22 conversions so any info would be great. It seems to be all original and all serial numbers match except for the nose cap. I will try to get some pictures up tomorrow. Thanks

Trevor

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.

[browningautorifle]

Looking forward to seeing some of this one...

[mrclark303]

Me too, many of us learned the basics of shooting on a .22lr Enfield of one type or another, so they have a certain sentimental place in our hearts. My first taste of cartridge firearms and Enfields, was with the now highly collectable No8 as a Teenage Cadet.

I would love a No8 now, if only they didn't cost so much!

[browningautorifle]

I would love a No8 now,

I had two over time and shot them regularly for competition. Both were dealt away through time...before they were worth much.

[30Three]

I currently have two No8's and a Lithgow No2MkIV*. The trainers are so much fun to shoot; they get regular use.

[points]

Always a bit tough to tell without seeing the rifle. There were the originals, then the armourers mods and then after service commercial makes.
The #2 mkIV* had a solid barrel as I believe did the converted MkII.
So the answer is, I don't know.
I bought a C#7 LB recently only to discover it had a lined barrel. I actually missed that when I bought it so it is not an original. I still like it anyway.
I also bought a #2 recently and although it has been sported, I might be able to restor it.

[browningautorifle]

The trainers are so much fun to shoot; they get regular use.

I agree, they feel great and full size and weight make them a dream to shoot.

[Brian Dick]

It's the same as an Enfield converted No.2Mk.IV* but produced by the commercial firm BSA so not marked like an RSAF Enfield conversion. Many were purchased and used by the RAF and have AM prefix serial numbers so just because it was a commercially manufactured rifle doesn't mean it wasn't used by the military.

[Peter Laidler]

Anyone with a DA serial number No8 tell me whether it is Birmingham commercial proof or UK MIlitary proof?

[bigduke6]

Anyone with a DA serial number No8 tell me whether it is Birmingham commercial proof or UK MIlitary proof?

Peter, Mine is marked with the Military proof BM with crown above plus the bolt head, although it has the DA serial number there is no NZ marking on it.........