22 TRAINER

[Ovidio]

This one comes from the Terni arsenal. This guy bought it there over 30 years ago and told me he still has all the paperwork.
Might have been converted before or after it was handed to the Italian armed forces?

[Alan de Enfield]

Parker-Hale, AJ Parkers, & probably others in the trade used to offer a service to convert your SMLE to .22RF & many were done this way. The original markings on the few I can remember were left untouched, so it could possibly be a civvy conversion. I have a BSA 1918 SMLE done by Parker Hale.

That was the point I was trying to make, although Ovidio suggests it is an 'original' trainer, I really do think it is a civilian conversion done after being 'sold out of service'.
The military would not leave it showing its 303 model markings if it was a 22 trainer.

[Giove]

Ovidio's trainer is an "Italian" L.E. trainer.

Trainers from Italian conversions don't have the III cancelled.

There are three Italian L.E. trainers:

1) - The original British No. 2 with a new barrel, replaced by the Terni Arsenal (now PMAL of Terni);

2) - The L.E. with Garand's sights;

3) - A copy of No. 2 Mk IV*.

The first two are in like new conditions, the third are quite ugly (don't hate me Ovidio).

The pics are from my No. 2 Mk IV* with Garand's sights.

Regards. Giancarlo

[Giove]

Here a British trainer with a new Italian barrel and an "Italian copy" of a British No. 2 Mk IV.

[Ovidio]

So...better leave it there?

[Giove]

No, I don't think so, it's an interesting variant. But if the L.E. trainer is to be one, and only one, I would choose one of the other two (my personal opinion, obviously).

However the "Italian copy" version, I think, is the least common.

[Ovidio]

So, it is somehow ugly, but has some "value" due to its rarity...
Interesting.
See you on Ex Ordinanza, Giove.
And thanks for the advise.

[Giove]

See you on Ex Ordinanza, Giove.

And here.

Best wishes

[30Three]

My 1918 SMLE .22 is by Parker Hale. It does not have any .22 markings on the wrist; but the barrel has the usual British stamps for .22 proof.
The original 1918 barrel has been lined.
So would the lack of modification to the wrist markings make it a commercial conversion?
I would not call it ugly; just well worn and well loved!

[Ovidio]

I'll pick it up hopefully already by the end of next week. We should finally have the limitations to our mobility between regions lifted by then.
After I'll have it at home, I'll make lots of pictures of all markings etc.
Some other guy here in Italy already told me there is an odd and unusual (rare) marking from our proofing body. Does not add to the value, but might make the pea shooter more interesting.
And I love the idea of the windage-adjustable rear sight.
That is really a plus.
After that, I'll take my time to find the conversion with Garand sights.
That is definitely in my future!