My SMLE

[dwr461]

I decided to show a couple of C&R rifles over the next few weeks. No reason for it, just thought I would.

Today I picked my No 1 MK III SMLE made in 1940. This particular rifle is all matching and is a dispersion rifle so it's not marked with any arsenal. The German were of course bombing anything British that could make weapons at this time in history. So to combat this the British made at least some of their rifle manufacturing decentralized with many smaller shops producing parts and assembled rifles. This rifle was produced near the end of the No1MKIII's service life as it was replaced by the No4MkI.

It's cool to me because it isn't derived from the Mauser 98 in some way like most bolt action rifles of WW2 were.








Dave

 

[LACamper]

Nice... bigger pics next time though!

 

[dwr461]

Did you click on the thumbnails?

Dave

 

[BayouDude]

I have one made in Ishapore 1951 and it has a really dark stock. The action is much smoother on the enfield than the k98 IMO and I love the full length wood stock used on these rifles.

 

[dwr461]

These were serious battle rifles. Nothing weak about them and very well thought out in all respects. A small detail that shows how well thought out this weapon was , is the fact that they used brass on the butt plate intsead of steel. Brass won't rust when it sits in the mud all day. In my opinion this was the best bolt action battle rifle of WW2. Of course the Mauser 98k will give it a run for it's money. I have one each of 98k, Mosin Nagant, Arisaka, and the 1903A3. The SMLE just feels tough as nails.

Dave