Enfield SMLE III Australian No1 MkIII .303 British Bolt Action Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $1225

LSB#: 211002NI51

Make: Lithgow Arsenal, Australia

Model: SMLE III* (Short Magazine Lee Enfield Mark III*). Later designated as the No.1 MkIII.

Serial Number: F 206

Year of Manufacture: 1944

Caliber: .303 British

Action Type: Bolt Action with Detachable Magazine

Markings: There is no visible import mark. The right side of the stock collar is marked  “MA / LITHGOW / S.M.L.E. / III* / 1944”. The right front of the receiver, bottom of the forearm, and rear of the bolt handle are marked with the serial number. The top rear of the receiver and underside of the bolt handle are both marked “S104”. The receiver is marked with Australian proofs & stampings including a “star” at the rear. The top of the barrel is marked “star / 230” behind the rear sight. The bolt head is marked “BA42”. Many of the metal parts are marked with Australian stampings that include “BA” and “OA”. The bottom of the forearm, the belly of the stock and the grip are marked with inspection stamps. The right side of the butt is marked “M.A.O. / S.M.L.E.”, III* “HV”, and “1944”. There are a few other small marks on the rifle.

Barrel Length: Approximately 25 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set atop a ramped base and between 2 protective ears. The rear of the sight has a flat top with a “U” groove. The riser of the sight is marked from “2-20”. The rear sight also has protective wings. The adjustment can be made by pushing in on the left of the slider or with the worm-screw on the right.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a straight grip with finger groove, barrel band, nosecap assembly with sight wings & bayonet lug, 2 sling loops, and a brass buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows scratches & small dents. The nosecap & barrel band have been refinished. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Many have damaged small portions of the surface wood. Most of these marks have been oiled. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original. The nosecap and front of the barrel have been refinished.

Bore Condition: The lands are bright, the grooves are semi bright, and the rifling is deep. There is fouling in the grooves which should clean up a bit. There is frosting in the grooves near the muzzle.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The nosecap and front of the barrel have been refinished. The metal shows scuffs and small scrapes. The receiver shows light thinning. The screw heads show use. Most of the markings are deep. The stock collar markings are lightly struck. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a refinished 10 round magazine. It shows scrapes and a small dent. It is in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.

Our Assessment: This SMLE III* (Short Magazine Lee Enfield Mark III*) was made at the Lithgow Arsenal in Australia back in 1944. It has lots of nice markings on the metal & wood. The markings include a WWII date, “LITHGOW”, and matching numbers on the receiver, forearm & bolt handle. This WWII service rifle is 75 years old. It looks great and still has a strong bore. Good luck.