1916 Lithgow SMLE Mk. III

[Eaglelord17]

Very cool to see rifles which are so close in serial number pictured. Interesting that they both received Heavy Barrels as well. Here's a question for you, does your rifle have the screw in the bottom of the stock as well as the bushing that goes around the barrel and screws into it?

I just noticed today mine is lacking that, and was wondering if that was part of the heavy barrel replacement (as it might be possible they didn't feel it was a requirement for heavy barreled rifles), or if it is just missing on mine.

[5thBatt]

Very cool to see rifles which are so close in serial number pictured. Interesting that they both received Heavy Barrels as well. Here's a question for you, does your rifle have the screw in the bottom of the stock as well as the bushing that goes around the barrel and screws into it?

I just noticed today mine is lacking that, and was wondering if that was part of the heavy barrel replacement (as it might be possible they didn't feel it was a requirement for heavy barreled rifles), or if it is just missing on mine.

No innerband used with the Heavy barrel so no screw or spring in forend & unlike the HT the hole is left unplugged.

[Eaglelord17]

Excellent to hear that, I figured that would be the case, expecially considering they had to make the forend wider. Did Australia switch many rifles to the heavy barrel configuration, or was it only done once a barrel had been worn out?