BSA Co. Sht.22 Mk. III .22LR Trainer Lee-Enfield Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1898
SOLD FOR: $1,300.00
LSB#: WY241114DL011
Make: Enfield, Reworked by BSA Co. United Kingdom
Model: SMLE No.1 MK. III .22 Trainer
Serial Number: 1578K
Year of Manufacture: 1898
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Bolt action, single shot.
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with various proofs and the remarked serial number. All serialized parts are matched. The left side of the stock collar is marked, “ENFIELD 1905 ShtLE COND II”. The right side is marked with a crown “V.R.” and, “ENFIELD 1898 LE I Sht 22 III B.S.A. Co.”. The bolt head and mag are marked, “.22” There are various British proofs throughout. The stock disc is marked, “R P 1 16 6”
Barrel Length: 25.2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set on a ramped base and between two protective wings. The rear sight is a u-notch set between two protective wings, with a sliding adjustable escalator assembly. The left side of the stock has a folding peep sight and a dial adjustment sight for grenade launching.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The four piece wood stock has a straight grip with finger groove, barrel band, nose cap assembly with sight wings & bayonet lug w/ stacking ring, sling loop, straight wrist, sling loop, and a brass buttplate with brass hinged door for storage. The buttplate has heavy scuffs and scratches throughout. There are compression marks and scratches throughout the wood. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good to Excellent overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x detachable .22 Trainer magazine in Very Good Condition.
Type of Finish: Oil Dipped Finish
Finish Originality: Original to conversion
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is mostly sharp. There is moderate erosion and light pitting throughout the bore with the last few inches being heavily eroded. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 6.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. There is moderate thinning, scratches, nicks, and small impact marks throughout. There are light spots of patina. The action is moderately worn. The screw heads show light to moderate use. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good to Excellent condition as an antique.
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: One magazine to catch spent brass.
Our Assessment: The BSA Co. Sht.22 Mk. III is a fascinating training rifle that showcases the ingenuity and practicality of the Lee-Enfield platform adapted for .22 Long Rifle. Designed to train marksmen without the cost and recoil of the standard .303 British cartridge, this bolt-action rifle replicates the handling and operation of the iconic Lee-Enfield while chambered in a smaller, more economical caliber. Produced by the renowned Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA), this trainer represents a critical piece of military training history. The .22LR chambering made the Sht.22 Mk. III an ideal tool for teaching soldiers marksmanship fundamentals, such as sight alignment, trigger control, and bolt manipulation, in a low-cost and low-recoil package. Built to the same exacting standards as its full-power counterparts, this rifle features the same smooth bolt action and robust construction that defined the Lee-Enfield, ensuring consistency and familiarity for trainees transitioning to the standard-issue rifle. Its precise craftsmanship and enduring reliability reflect BSA’s reputation for quality.
For collectors, the BSA Sht.22 Mk. III offers a unique and historically significant addition to any Lee-Enfield collection. These rifles played a crucial role in preparing soldiers for service during the early 20th century, making them an important piece of military history. The .22 trainer combines the charm of the classic Lee-Enfield design with the practical advantages of the .22LR cartridge, making it not only a collectible artifact but also a functional and enjoyable rifle for target shooting. Its blend of historical significance, quality craftsmanship, and practical utility makes the Sht.22 Mk. III a standout choice for enthusiasts of military and training firearms. -R.E.
