BSA Commercial No1 Mk3.

[Sapper740]

Some more comparisons - this was with the 'long rifle' vs the competition, and barrel life of the short rifle, along with speed of reloading.

You can see the British emphasis on musketry in that table. Even the "ordinarily trained" shooters had an excellent shots fired/hits ratio.

[Bindi2]

Lithgow made Long rifle barrels shorten them to SMLE length and the H barrel was born. Heavy profile and more accurate.

[Sapper740]

Lithgow made Long rifle barrels shorten them to SMLE length and the H barrel was born. Heavy profile and more accurate.

Ian Skennerton talks about the shortened Australian Rifle Club Pattern on p 395 and details the "Rifle Club" pattern sling swivels being installed. My C.L.L.E. has one such sling swivel installed just in front of the magazine.

[smle addict]

Well, I couldn't resist posting my trio of BSA's. From top to bottom, A MLE MK I (Without a safety on the cocking piece), A CLLM Mk I*, and an SMLE MK III (With cut-off and matching adjustable rear sight, but no volley sights).
The MLE and SMLE are both numbers matching throughout. The CLLM is non-matching. I suspect it was frequently used in competition as certain components match, like rear sight matching to the receiver, but not the barrel. These are fun rifles to shoot.

[Sapper740]

Well, I couldn't resist posting my trio of BSA's. From top to bottom, A MLE MK I (Without a safety on the cocking piece), A CLLM Mk I*, and an SMLE MK III (With cut-off and matching adjustable rear sight, but no volley sights)

An absolutely smashing trio!

[Sapper740]

The CLLM is non-matching. I suspect it was frequently used in competition as certain components match, like rear sight matching to the receiver, but not the barrel.

Interesting. My M.L.E. has a matching no prefix 5 digit serial number on it's bolt, barrel, and receiver. My Fulton regulated S.M.L.E. has a matching no prefix 5 digit serial number on it's bolt and receiver only. My C.L.L.E. has the number "1" stamped on its bolt and receiver. I've often pondered how a civilian rifle could end up with serial number 1. Perhaps the first civilian C.L.L.E. BSA ever made? A lazy apprentice gunsmith?

[lawrence_n]

I have a somewhat unusual No.3. It's a BSA made in 1918. I assume, from the condition, that it was made late war and never actually issued. The pictures show some of the interesting stamps on it. You'll note how some military marks have been cancelled, the fact that a second (probably civilian) serial number was applied, and the "Sale Permit" and crown on the knox form. Condition was excellent except for some varnish I had to strip off the stock when I got it. Interesting piece.

[Bindi2]

Show the stamps on the wrist under the bolt.

[Brian Dick]

I imported 26 BSA Sht. Mk.III years ago that came from the Kingdom of Bahrain. I think they were originally purchased from BSA in the 1920s or 30s. Condition ranged from good to excellent with matching serial numbers and excellent barrels. The worst part were the buttplates which I replaced as they were beaten to death from D&C, (drill and ceremony for non-military types). My Dad and I kept one each and mine is as nice as it gets with a prewar SMLE. I thought they were terribly expensive at the time but not so much anymore.

[Rowdy]

That is an interesting rifle - the BSA logo on the barrel, the sale permit mark, the varnish finish and the 320B inspection marks all suggest a commercial sale for target use, yet it has a letter prefix and military inspection marks.
Maybe a commercial rifle using up now surplus military production after the war?
As Bindi requested the markings on the butt socket and also has the barrel a square cut muzzle would be of great interest - also any commercial proof markings?