British Enfield No.1* ShtLE Bolt Action Rifle In .303 Brit, 1905 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,106.00
WOA#: WY240526PS014
Make: Enfield
Model: No.1***
Serial Number: 28798
Year of Manufacture: 1905
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Bolt action, detachable 10 round magazine
Markings: The receiver is marked, “P 28798 BR 2539” The stock collar is marked with a British crown and, “ENFIELD 1905 ShtLE I***” The bolt handle is marked, “3330” The bayonet lug is marked, “ER 2539” The stock is marked, “P 3799” There are various proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 25.2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade post dovetailed into a base mounted between two protective ears. The rear sight is a U-notch sliding escalator assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a three piece wood set with a forend cap/bayonet lug/ front sight post, stacking ring, barrel band w/ sling loop, stock collar, straight wrist w/ hand stop, straight comb, and brass buttplate with storage door. There are pressure dents, scratches, and small chips throughout. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Oil darkened metal
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is sharp. There is moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8.5/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its current metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces.There is thinning throughout. There is wear on the leading edges. There is patina on the bolt. The screw heads show moderate to heavy use. The markings are mostly legible, though those on the collar are faint. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a 10 round detachable magazine that is in Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: The Enfield No. 1*** ShtLE, often referred to as the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE), represents the third iteration of the Lee-Enfield No. 1 rifle series. This designation reflects the continued development of the iconic British bolt-action rifle, originally introduced in the early 20th century. Unlike the No. 1 Mk III, which saw extensive use during World War I, the No. 1*** was an evolution of the design that incorporated further refinements and simplifications based on lessons learned from earlier models. The Enfield No. 1 rifle series was initially developed to meet the needs of British and Commonwealth forces, and it became one of the most widely used military rifles of its time. Chambered in .303 British, the No. 1 was designed to deliver reliable performance in a variety of combat conditions. The rifle featured a 10-round magazine, which was larger than many contemporary bolt-action rifles, allowing for a higher rate of fire and greater battlefield effectiveness. The rear-locking bolt and “cock-on-closing” mechanism made the rifle smooth and fast to operate, a crucial advantage in combat. The No. 1***, as the third iteration in the series, built upon the design of its predecessors while also introducing some changes to improve manufacturing efficiency and ease of use. These refinements were part of a continuous effort to enhance the rifle’s performance while maintaining its ruggedness and reliability. The improvements also reflected the evolving needs of the British military as it adapted to new combat environments and tactics in the interwar period and beyond.
Overall, the Enfield No. 1*** ShtLE represents the third iteration of the Lee-Enfield No. 1 series, reflecting continued refinement and adaptation of this iconic rifle. Building on the legacy of its predecessors, the No. 1*** maintained the key features that made the Lee-Enfield a standout in military service while incorporating improvements for better performance and production efficiency. Its role in the British military ensured that the Lee-Enfield series remained a crucial part of military history throughout the first half of the 20th century. -R.E.
