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Thread: Picked up an SMLE, looking for expert advice about whether or not this is a DP rifle

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  1. #1
    Legacy Member FaeAnubis's Avatar
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    Picked up an SMLE, looking for expert advice about whether or not this is a DP rifle

    Picked up this SMLE last week. I was told by the previous owner that it was a Britishicon Homeguard rifle which is why it has the red paint stripes on it. All numbers match on the gun except for the nose cap.

    My confusion is the large amount of DP stamps I have found on the rifle. These DP stamps are only located on the wood furniture, and on the nose cap. There are no DP stampings anywhere else on the actual rifle itself.

    I’m looking for insight as to whether this rifle is not actually a Drill Purpose rifle, but simply had DP furniture added when it was reissued to the Homeguard?

    The previous owner told me he fired many rounds through it quite often with no issue. The bolt matches the receiver, everything locks up tight, and the bore is nice and shiny.

    Images below

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    ---------- Post added at 08:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:38 PM ----------

    Here are some additional photos of stampings on the receiver

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    Last edited by FaeAnubis; 03-12-2020 at 10:16 PM.

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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    Legacy Member Roy's Avatar
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    I suspect it was a cut down sporter that was restored with Indian Drill purpose woodwork and nosecap. Complete restoration kits can be purchased which appear to have been created from breaking down complete DP rifles. DP rifles are normally marked on the breech and Nocks form. Red Paint on rifles in Britishicon service was to denote it was a Lend lease US arm chambered in 30.06 caliber. M17, 1903 Springfield, and M1icon Rifle.
    Last edited by Roy; 03-12-2020 at 10:24 PM.
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    Legacy Member FaeAnubis's Avatar
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    Roy,

    Thank you for taking your time to provide the feedback! As a newbie who has been googling DP markings for the last 3 hours I definitely find it suspicious that there are no actual DP markings on any metal parts on the rifle. I imagine it is probably best to have a gunsmith check this over first before I fire it.

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    Legacy Member Roy's Avatar
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    Not a problem, we were all newbies once. One thing to check are the 'draws' this is where a considerable amount of recoil is taken on the woodwork and if the forend is not tight up into the draws the forend will eventually crack. If you are into DIY, get on youtube (and this wonderful forum) and learn about the disassembly, care and maintenance of the SMLE. Just be careful, one .303 is never enough.
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    Legacy Member Brit plumber's Avatar
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    I agree, it looks like Indian DP wood on a decent rifle. I notice the sight protector appears to be back to front.

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    Legacy Member pisco's Avatar
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    as roy said one is never enough they are fun to run on cast give the old girl a pull down and clean up check it over for any cracks in the wood and wear on the metal parts

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    Legacy Member Alan de Enfield's Avatar
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    The Red-Stripes would reinforce the thinking that it is using 'old' Indian DP woodwork.
    Indian DP rifles were marked with Red bands (for those who 'had difficulty seeing' the DP markings).


    "I was told by the previous owner that it was a Britishicon Homeguard rifle which is why it has the red paint stripes on it".

    Never believe the 'story' buy the rifle.

    Your seller had probably done a bit if internet research and got confused with the fact that rifles in calibre 30-06 (the M1917 - the "American Enfield" for example) had a Red band as a warning not to use 303 ammunition.

    Probably not realising that where it is marked on the Butt socket "Enfield 1917" that is the manufacturing facility and the date of manufacture.

    With Enfield's it is vitally important to use the correct nomenclature, as a very small difference in 'numbering' can mean a huge difference in model.

    One regularly 'mis-typed' is "No1 Mk3" and "No3 Mk1"
    Last edited by Alan de Enfield; 03-13-2020 at 04:52 AM.
    Mine are not the best, but they are not too bad. I can think of lots of Enfields I'd rather have but instead of constantly striving for more, sometimes it's good to be satisfied with what one has...

  11. #8
    Legacy Member FaeAnubis's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Alan de Enfield View Post
    The Red-Stripes would reinforce the thinking that it is using 'old' Indian DP woodwork.
    Indian DP rifles were marked with Red bands (for those who 'had difficulty seeing' the DP markings).


    "I was told by the previous owner that it was a Britishicon Homeguard rifle which is why it has the red paint stripes on it".

    Never believe the 'story' buy the rifle.

    Your seller had probably done a bit if internet research and got confused with the fact that rifles in calibre 30-06 (the M1917 - the "American Enfield" for example) had a Red band as a warning not to use 303 ammunition.

    Probably not realising that where it is marked on the Butt socket "Enfield 1917" that is the manufacturing facility and the date of manufacture.

    With Enfield's it is vitally important to use the correct nomenclature, as a very small difference in 'numbering' can mean a huge difference in model.

    One regularly 'mis-typed' is "No1 Mk3" and "No3 Mk1"
    So I would like to restore this rifle to its former glory, but I am having trouble sourcing the period correct furniture. I see that Liberty Tree sells some stock sets, however I do not want to get a bunch of mismatched wood for basically $200. Do you know of any places I can track down SMLE stock sets?

  12. #9
    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    You should eliminate a double thread on this subject. It's frustrating to those of us trying to help when you forge ahead after getting our best advise not to do more... Like the other thread suggests....
    Regards, Jim

  13. #10
    Legacy Member FaeAnubis's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by browningautorifleicon View Post
    You should eliminate a double thread on this subject. It's frustrating to those of us trying to help when you forge ahead after getting our best advise not to do more... Like the other thread suggests....
    Hey Jim,

    Im a bit new to the forum, how do I delete double post? I was not aware that I double posted.

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