My newly inherited 1912 No.1 Mk.III

[mobular]

It's been a while since I've been here, but I just have to show this!
I just received my Grandfather's sportered SMLE. He got it in the early 50s in a gun trade and in it's time, it has downed a fair share of deer. My Uncle tells me it has not been fired in 15 years or so. What I do know about it is that it's a 1912 BSA No.1 MkIII, spent some time with the R.A.F., DP marked, complete volley sights, full length barrel, mag cutoff, and mismatched bolt. What I am having trouble with are the many stamps on the receiver and knox form. So, here I present some pictures for the experts out there to help me decipher my heirloom! Plans are to round up some forward wood and metal pieces to bring it back to it's former glory. Thanks for any new info that anyone can provide!

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.

[old crow]

"DP" (Drill Purpose) usually means that the rifle is not intended to be fired with ball ammunition, for "whatever" reason. May not be "unsafe" but rather "not intended". I will guess that since the rifle has been fired many times without mishap, it is not "unsafe". Mk.III wood may be difficult to find but I congratulate you on having the rifle and intention to restore it. Good on ya! Most of those stamps are going to be inspection, proofing and ownership stamps with no particular importance now but if you post some clear close-up photos, someone can help you identify them.

[Peter Laidler]

No6 Flying Training School RAF May 1935. Rifle 66 in the Armoury rack. Any of you RAF fiends tell us where No6 FTS was. I think Leeming?

[mobular]

Thanks for this info Mr. Laidler!
A quick Googling of RAF FTS school #6 came back with it being in Grantham then Manston with the move between the two locations taking place in 1920-21.

[RJW NZ]

Wood sets, complete at Numrich,, are about $75, if you want numrich go to enfield resource.com and use the alohabetical quick find, in addition the number one section has other dealers with wood sets. Good onya for restoring her.

[jmoore]

I agree that SMLE Mk.III wood complete with the front volley sight might be a bit of a challenge, but the hunt can be rewarding in of itself.

Can't say that I would fire a DP marked rifle, myself, but just aslong as you know it was never intended to fire bullets after being so marked, that's up to you. Seems to have held up so far!

Looks like it may have a 1916 dated barrel. In service replacement, so no dramas there.