Enfield No.1 MkIII MkVII Target Sights .303 British Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1875
LSB#: 220116RC003
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.
This rifle was refurbished for commercial sales.
Serial Number: 13179
Year of Manufacture: 1940
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Bolt Action, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The right front of the receiver and rear of the bolt handle are marked with the serial number. The top of the receiver is marked “PARKER-HALE / BIRMINGHAM”. The right side of the stock collar is marked “crown / G R” (George Rex) and “B.S.A. Co / 1940 / SHT LE / III”. The “40” markings have been stamped over other numbers. The receiver, bolt assembly and other metal parts are marked with small proofs & inspection stamps. The front sight cover is marked No 134 A / PARKER’S S.M.L.E. / FRONT SIGHT COVER”. The rear sight’s markings include “Parker Hale / MADE IN ENGLAND”, “S.M.L.E.” and “MARK VII”. The face of the oversized aperture is marked “ALFRED PARKER / BIRMINGHAM”. The face of the muzzle is marked “A.G.F. / BALL-BURNING AED”; these marks are faded.
Barrel Length: Approximately 25 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set atop a small ramped base and between protective wings. A sight protector is installed. The rear sight is a Parker Hale Mk VII Target sight. A deluxe iris eyepiece has been installed in place of the sights original aperture. The iris is adjustable, from large to peep hole, by moving the lever. The view’s color contrast can be changed by rotating the color insert dial. The rear sight has elevation markings on the left and windage markings on the top.
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 small scratches & discoloration from oxidation. The stock shows a repair below the right rear of the receiver. Both sides of the stock show small edge repairs where the rear sight wings used to be. The belly of the stock shows a small surface repair. The marking disk cutout on the butt has been filled. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild
Bore Condition: The grooves are gray and the rifling is deep. There is fouling and erosion in the grooves. The fouling should clean up some.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its current metal finish. The metal shows scattered scuffs, small scrapes and handling marks. The screw heads show light use. The markings are defined; some are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus 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 10 round magazine. It shows several scrapes and scratches that have damaged or removed areas of the finish. It is in Very Good condition. The rifle has a web sling attached. It shows discoloration on the webbing as well as scrapes on the metal. Overall it is in about Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This Commercial Enfield No1 MkIII started life as a SHTLE III (Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III) made by the British Small Arms Company (B.S.A. Co.). It was upgraded for commercial sales in 1940. The upgrade included the installation of a Parker Hale MkVII rear target sight. The MkVII is a high quality well regarded target sight. To find one in this condition is rare…and expensive. The rear target sight has a Deluxe Iris Eyepiece installed in place of the sights original aperture. The iris is adjustable, from large aperture to peep hole, by moving the lever. The view’s color contrast can be changed by rotating the color insert dial. All the colors on the insert dial are present. An intact Deluxe Iris Eye Piece with all colors is hard to find. This Commercial No1 MkIII is ideal for a target shooter. Good luck.