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    Contributing Member smle addict's Avatar
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    SMLE Mk I** IP purchase

    Friday afternoon, I was stuck in traffic on a local southern california freeway (the dreaded 405). To kill time and to give my blood pressure a rest, I dropped into Martin Rettings gun shop in Culvericon City. Their handguns shelves were nearly cleaned out; glocks, HKs, and sig's were extinct. Ammo shelves either empty or stocked with the odd 50 round box for $80. Their C&R rack looked pretty well stocked, and I spied four smle Mk IIIs, all 90's imports, brought in from an estate sale. There were two Ishapores, 1965 and 1968 dated, in good shape, all matching with mirror bores. They were asking $495 each. There was an early enfield Mk III, 1912, with volley sights, cut off, and adjustable windage. It was a bitser, with nothing matching. $895.

    Then I found an enfield SMLE MK I** IP. It began life as an SMLE MK I*, then upgraded to the India Pattern in 1917. Bore a bit frosty, but strong rifling. Mis-matched bolt and rear sight, but wood looks to be original (several wood patches over the years). Nosecap, barrel and receiver all matched. This is only the third one I have ever seen. I saw one last year go for $1100, and it was pretty beat up.

    Paid $640. Not the best deal, but well below the auction site asking prices, and a semi-rare rifle on top of that. It was nice to see reasonably priced C&R's are still out there.

    I could only take a couple of photos, as the shop was packed full of impulse buyers (me included), so they shuffled me through the process as quick as possible. The salesman said most of their business has been first time gun buyes and ammo hoarders, so the C&R side of the things slowed down. Not many places one can shoot a rifle in los angeles, unless you're a gang-member!

    I managed to snap two pictures. I'll post more when I pick it up after waiting period.
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    Last edited by smle addict; 07-11-2021 at 04:09 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.
     

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    Legacy Member RCS's Avatar
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    Mark 1** I P rifles

    I found my two Mark 1** IP rifles twenty years ago, they show service but the new IP barrels are excellent and numbered to the receivers. I left the markings on these rifles and the windage sight works on the Enfield 1903'

    The rebuild date is on the other side, you don't find these around much anymoreAttachment 118494Attachment 118493Attachment 118492Attachment 118491Attachment 118490Attachment 118495Attachment 118496

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    Legacy Member RCS's Avatar
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    more I.P. photos

    The new barrels were serial numbered to the action body but not dated.

    Note the charger guide added to the action bodyAttachment 118498Attachment 118499Attachment 118500Attachment 118501Attachment 118502Attachment 118503

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