Newbie with a SMLE updated

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   I am an absolute newbie when it comes to Enfields. I have extensive knowledge of M14's and Garands but this is a new world to me. I wound up with an ShtLE (I got that far) but am not sure what else this rifle is trying to tell me. Any translation would be appreciated. Looking forward to cleaning her up and getting it in the collection along with my other milsurps. Let me know what other pictures might be needed to help tell me what I have.

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MtnScout Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: April 07 2022 Location: California Status: Offline Points: 6	Post Options Post Reply Quote MtnScout Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Newbie with a SMLE updated Posted: April 07 2022 at 9:28am
	I am an absolute newbie when it comes to Enfields. I have extensive knowledge of M14's and Garands but this is a new world to me. I wound up with an ShtLE (I got that far) but am not sure what else this rifle is trying to tell me. Any translation would be appreciated. Looking forward to cleaning her up and getting it in the collection along with my other milsurps. Let me know what other pictures might be needed to help tell me what I have.

SGonger Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: February 20 2021 Location: Utah U.S.A Status: Offline Points: 418	Post Options Post Reply Quote SGonger Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: April 08 2022 at 9:22am
	Howdy & welcome. A full length photo of your rifle plus the left side of the wrist action & a couple more both sides (around the knox form where the barrel & reciver mate together) with the top rear hand guard caref removed would be helpful in getting your needed (more etc) information. Cheer’s.
	Anyone seen the Tardis Box anywhere? 🤨

Shamu Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Logo Designer / Donating Member Joined: April 25 2007 Location: MD, USA. Status: Offline Points: 20510	Post Options Post Reply Quote Shamu Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: April 08 2022 at 9:27am
	ShtLE is just another name for an SMLE in your case a Rifle No1 MkIII. You'll probably find a lot of info with the SMLE No1 MkIII moniker as its the more popular version.
	Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)

A square 10 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Special Member Donating Member Joined: December 12 2006 Location: MN , USA Status: Offline Points: 16998	Post Options Post Reply Quote A square 10 Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: April 08 2022 at 10:38pm
	the date of mfgr is on photo one below the mfgr [i can see that its ROF ENFIELD] but i cannot read the date , you have what seems a very nice example , welcome to one of the most confusing and most rewarding areas of collecting military arms

Shamu Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Logo Designer / Donating Member Joined: April 25 2007 Location: MD, USA. Status: Offline Points: 20510	Post Options Post Reply Quote Shamu Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: April 09 2022 at 11:47am
	I darkened & enhanced the contrast I believe its 1918?
	Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)

MtnScout Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: April 07 2022 Location: California Status: Offline Points: 6	Post Options Post Reply Quote MtnScout Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: April 10 2022 at 8:05am
	Thank for the info. Been watching a few videos and have a better idea about the history and evolution of these fine rifles. Here are some more pics after I was able to clean her up a bit.

Zed Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Special Member Donating Member Joined: May 01 2012 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 6460	Post Options Post Reply Quote Zed Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: April 10 2022 at 12:18pm
	It looks like a very nice example. Please post a range report when you are ready!
	It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice!

A square 10 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Special Member Donating Member Joined: December 12 2006 Location: MN , USA Status: Offline Points: 16998	Post Options Post Reply Quote A square 10 Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: April 10 2022 at 5:20pm
	i agree with ZED

MtnScout Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: April 07 2022 Location: California Status: Offline Points: 6	Post Options Post Reply Quote MtnScout Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: April 11 2022 at 12:34am
	You are correct. It is a 1918.

bubba ho tep Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: June 19 2017 Location: KY abode Status: Offline Points: 290	Post Options Post Reply Quote bubba ho tep Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: April 11 2022 at 3:56pm
	From the barrel markings on left side looks like one proof shows a 1920's barrel date. Refurbished from battlefield salvage - very common post war on brit and french rifles..

bubba ho tep Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: June 19 2017 Location: KY abode Status: Offline Points: 290	Post Options Post Reply Quote bubba ho tep Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: April 11 2022 at 3:56pm
	Also I assume bolt is a mismatch being it is import stamped ?.

MtnScout Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: April 07 2022 Location: California Status: Offline Points: 6	Post Options Post Reply Quote MtnScout Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: April 11 2022 at 4:38pm
	So, This is a pic of the bolt showing the same number as elsewhere so I'm not sure. Is the import stamp the smallish text on the right rear of receiver?

Zed Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Special Member Donating Member Joined: May 01 2012 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 6460	Post Options Post Reply Quote Zed Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: April 12 2022 at 1:39am
	If the bolt number matches the action; that's great news. The import stamps are on the RH side of the bolt channel and charger guide by the look of it.
	It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice!

bubba ho tep Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: June 19 2017 Location: KY abode Status: Offline Points: 290	Post Options Post Reply Quote bubba ho tep Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: April 12 2022 at 11:44am
	Hard to tell from the lighting , but is the serial is stamped on a crude ground surface that looks in the white ( no blue finish where serial is ) . If so that was done post sale to the civilian market. Headspace with unknown size bolt head would be a good thing to do.

MtnScout Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: April 07 2022 Location: California Status: Offline Points: 6	Post Options Post Reply Quote MtnScout Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: April 13 2022 at 4:56pm
	I think I'll try to scare up a set of headspace gauges to see where she's at. On my M-14's we would use a go, no go. I assume you can buy the same set of gauges in .303 British ?

bubba ho tep Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: June 19 2017 Location: KY abode Status: Offline Points: 290	Post Options Post Reply Quote bubba ho tep Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: April 15 2022 at 3:55pm
	Many years ago I acquired two Ross issue straight pullers in 33. One the finger mag type Mk11 I think off hand and the other the charger loading type. Nice looking not reblued rebuilt clunker parts guns. They both had "chambers" reworked due to their tight tolerances and not being user friendly in the trenches. As such they were stupid hard on the shoulders and the MkII would ring once reloaded brass on second shot to make them unsafe. Got rid of them. Have had a few Smle And No4's that would swell cases at base too...and all were bolt mismatches. One of the reasons I really like Patt.14 rifles is if the bolt is a legitimate match ... they are easy on brass and brother they can shoot !.