1917 Lee Enfield ShtLE MkII Rifle

[usabaker]

I've been digging around the forums archives and in the internet and for some odd reason can find little information on the ShtLE MkII. MKI and MKIII variants are everywhere.

Is there a good source of information and history for the ShtLE MkII?

I'm interested because of the 1917 ShtLE MkII - GFI .410 Conversion rifle I bought and posted about in "I bought another piece of junk! - Ishapore .410 Musket"

Would appreciate any links or information about the ShtLE MkII

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.

[Giove]

This is a SMLE Mark III, not a Mark II.

As far as I know, the Mark II doesn't exist. However, there is the Cond. II, but this is another matter.

[usabaker]

As far as I know, the Mark II doesn't exist.

That would explain why I couldn't find any info on it, This not leads me to another puzzle, why then is it stamped II?

[Giove]

It is a III missing one "I". If you watch the "II", it is not centered precisely because an "I" is missing.

[usabaker]

It is a III missing one "I". If you watch the "II", it is not centered precisely because an "I" is missing.

I see it now, There is what look to be the top of the "I" prior to the first full I. Thank you for your help.

There is also a place on the stock for the brass disk. Would this have been used only when it was a MKIII or would it be used in it current configuration as a .410? It looks as though at one time there was a disk in it.

[Giove]

The unit-marked brass disks were suppressed in 1916, if I remember correctly, so the butt-stock of your rifle could be so from the origin.