SMLE III (No. 1 Mk. 3) Lee Enfield

[Eaglelord17]

Hi all,

I just bought a my second ever Lee Enfield (the other was a nice Ishapore 2A1 which sold years ago), a true SMLE III (No. 1 Mk. 3 no star). It is a 1912 BSA. I haven't received the rifle yet, however based on the photos of the ad, I was wondering if I could get a early critique of what I bought. Don't worry I will have photos when I get it.

I don't dare call myself a expert on Enfields, however I would say I have enough knowledge to be dangerous

From what I can tell, this rifle has most the early features, having the magazine cut-off, adjustable rear sight, and piling swivel. It is lacking the volley sights, however the locations for them is there. From what I could tell on the receiver it was released from service, then brought back in as evidenced by the crossed out arrow markings. The nose cap is likely a replacement from refurbishment, as it is unnumbered.

Here is the link to the rifle in question

Lee-Enfield NO 1 MK III (BSA)

Information

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[browningautorifle]

it was released from service, then brought back in

That's interesting. That's the first I've seen like that. I'd have never thought it would be done.

[Eaglelord17]

I suspect it was during WWII, as they were trying to scrounge up any firearm they could for the war effort (especially after Dunkirk). I mean when your arming your homeguard with everything from shotguns to single shot Martini-Henrys to Rosses, a just released from service SMLE would be a very good find.

[mrclark303]

I think Australian's and New Zealand's did much the same thing with serviceable Gun Club Enfield's being requisitioned for war service.

I've often wondered if any ever made it back to their owners post war..

Stands to reason we in the UK did the same thing. Looking forward to the pics of your rifle Eaglelord when you get her.

[CINDERS]

That is a pretty cool thing that the sold out of service has been crossed out and it re-entered service, you can scrounge the volley sight stuff but they are getting a tad expensive nice looking rifle have to let us all know how it shoots

[Steve H. in N.Y.]

I'm not sure about the forend. It doesn't have the "belly" under it in the area of the dial - looks like a straight line from the mid band to the trigger guard. The inletting for the rear sight arm is rough. There were repro forends similar to this available not too long ago.

[browningautorifle]

There were repro forends similar to this available not too long ago.

Where, who made those?

[Steve H. in N.Y.]

There were some on Ebay. Numrich may have had them also, can't remember exactly.

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=39750

[browningautorifle]

Yes, I see that one but I take it to be a re-tread. I wondered if perhaps Boyd had started...

[Maxwell Smart]

Numrich used to offer repro fore-end with dial sight base inletted in. Close, looked to be converted from III*.

The rear sight protector is not the early pattern, also possibly replaced during refurbishment.