BSA Enfield SHT LE III No.1 MkIII No1 Mk3 303 British Bolt Action Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $1025

LSB#: 210723TS07

Make: Enfield. Produced by the British Small Arms Company (B.S.A. Co.) of England

Model: SHT LE III* (Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III). Later Designated No.1 MkIII.

Serial Number: C3453

Year of Manufacture: 1916

Caliber: .303 British

Action Type: Bolt Action, Detachable Magazine

Markings: The import mark on the right front of the receiver reads “ENGLAND”. The right front of the receiver, rear of the bolt handle, face of the nosecap, and bottom front of the forearm are each marked with the serial number. The left front of the receiver is marked with a “crowned” proof and a “crowned”  inspection stamp. The right side of the stock collar is marked “crown / G R” (George Rex) and “B.S.A. Co / 1916 / SHT LE / III*”. The bolt head is marked “U” and with “crossed flags”. The barrel is marked “HV / SC” (signifies a high velocity rear sight) at the back of the rear sight base. The bottom of the grip, bottom of the butt, and bottom of the forearm are marked with inspection stamps that include “crowns”. There are a few other small British stampings on the rifle.

Barrel Length: Approximately 25 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set atop a small ramped base and between protective wings. 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 performed by pushing in on the left of the slider or with the worm-screw on the right of the slider.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a straight grip with finger groove, barrel band, nosecap assembly with sight wings & bayonet lug, stacking loop, 2 sling loops, marking disk, and a brass buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows several small scratches and oxidation. The top left of the butt shows filled & repaired cracks.  The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches and compression marks that have been oiled over. Many have damaged small portions of the surface wood. The LOP measures 13 ½ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as refurbished.

Type of Finish: Oil Darkened Metal

Finish Originality: Original. The metal has been treated with cold blue.

Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are dark. The rifling is deep; less pronounced at the muzzle. There is erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its current metal finish. The metal has been treated with cold blue. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches and areas of thinning. The thinned portions of the metal show discoloration from oxidation. The screw heads show heavy use. The main markings are well defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good 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: There is No magazine.

Our Assessment: The Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III was later designated the No.1 MkIII. This No.1 MkIII was made by the British Small Arms Company (B.S.A. Co.) of England back in 1916. It has matching numbers on the receiver, bolt, stock, and nosecap. This Enfield is in Very Good condition and can still ring steel out at the range…once you find a magazine.