Standard Small Arms SSA Enfield SHTLE III 303 British Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,000
LSB#: 201013RW12
Make: Standard Small Arms (SSA) located in Birmingham, England
Model: SMLE III* (Short Magazine Lee Enfield Mark III*). Later designated as the No.1 MkIII.
Serial Number: W40422
Year of Manufacture: 1917
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Bolt Action, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The right of the stock collar is marked “crown / G.R. / 1917 / SHT L.E. / III*”. The rear of the receiver is marked “SSA” for Standard Small Arms, “CS”, and with a few inspection stamps. The right front of the receiver, rear of the bolt handle, and face of the nosecap are each marked with the serial number. The bolt assembly is also marked with stampings that include “crossed flags”. The right front of the receiver and the barrel shank next to it are each marked with small inspection stamps. The top of the barrel is marked “HV / SC” (high velocity rear sight) behind the rear sight base. The top of the grip is marked “627”. The stock marking disk is marked “SNP / 2170”. The top of the buttplate is marked “627”. The bottom of the grip is marked with faded stampings. The left side of the butt is marked “779”. There are a few other small stampings on the rifle.
Barrel Length: Approximately 25 ¼ Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set atop a ramped base and between protective sight wings. The rear of the sight has a flat top with a “U” groove. The sight escalator 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 and moving the slider or with the worm-screw on the right of the slider for fine-adjustment.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a semi pistol grip, barrel band, nosecap assembly with sight wings & bayonet lug, 2 sling loops and a brass buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows numerous scratches & small dents as well as oxidation on the hinged door. The barrel band shows surface erosion & pitting. The buttstock has about an ? of an inch of side to side play. The left side of the stock shows a repair above the magazine and a repaired crack between the magazine & the stock collar. The stock is missing wood just ahead of the magazine. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Many have damaged portions of the surface wood. Most of these marks have been finished over. 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 as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are grey. The rifling is deep. There is erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its current metal finish as refinished. Scratches and areas of oxidation show through the new finish. The bottom of the nosecap, trigger guard, front of the receiver, and stripper clip guide show light surface erosion and discoloration from oxidation. The front tang of the bottom metal shows pitting. The metal shows other areas of discoloration as well as scrapes & handling marks. The screw heads show use. Many of the markings are well defined; some are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.
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: This rifle comes with a refinished 10-round magazine. Scratches and surface erosion show through the finish. It shows scuffs, scrapes and areas of thinning. It is in about Very Good condition. The rifle also comes with an unmarked web sling. It shows discoloration & soiling on the webbing as well as oxidation on the metal. It is in about Very Good Plus condition.