1942 Lithgow No1 Mk3 SMLE

[Stanis97]

Hey guys this is my first post, but I have a 1942 Lithgow No1 Mk3 SMLE that I believe was a Australian cadet rifle and I'm looking to let it go. It's a great shooter with strong rifling, but I just bought a M1917 so I'm just looking for a reasonable price range for it.

When I first got the rifle it had about 4 inches of yellow paint on the front of it, which I had thought someone just painted it and used it as a drill rifle. I unfortunately removed the paint not wanting to go to the range with a yellow painted gun and not knowing it was original. Where the paint once was there is a slight difference in stain color as you would imagine.

From what I can tell the gun is in good shape with all matching numbers. All the metal seems to be in great shape. There is also some interesting stock carvings on the rear.




Look forward to hearing what you all have to say! Thanks!

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]

There are many threads on rifles with paint. Yellow isn't good on Australian rifles. Here's a thread for you and more will jump in shortly...you'll have to decide. I personally, would use it for a wall hanger, it looks good and I'd have it though.

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=51329&

[Stanis97]

There are no DP markings on the rifle as I was worried when I first bought it, I also bought a headspace gauge to make sure it was safe and it was good. I've put around 200 rounds through it since and have had 0 problems.

[browningautorifle]

There are no DP markings on the rifle

Yes...I know that part. You better consume all there is written on this subject. It doesn't need to have DP stamped. It doesn't need to be out of headspace...it CAN look like new. I'm just pointing out you need to read about it. There are others here that will be along to tell you fist hand, both to shoot it and not to. And...the reasons.

[Stanis97]

Ya I see your points and read through some of it before, but none of it really talks about value. I don't expect it to be in the same price as a nonmarked one, but what is the value?

[browningautorifle]

That all depends on location. Around here they can glean $600 and up just for the wood and parts.

[Stanis97]

Update - Sold my rifle last weekend for $200 to a dealer at a gun show. I broke even with what I paid for it so I am happy. Thanks for the help!

[browningautorifle]

Now...to find another for shooting/collecting...they're around.