What is a Lithgow Smle?

What is a Lithgow Smle?

Lithgow was the only factory in the British Commonwealth to make the heavy barrel for the SMLE. The rifles were designated Rifle No. 1 MkIII* H for the open-sighted version and Rifle No. 1 MkIII* HT for the true sniper version which was introduced towards the end of World War II.

Where was the 303 rifle made?

The rifle with a history A redesigned rifle known as the 303 SMLE (Short Magazine Lee-Enfield) was introduced in 1904 and was manufactured in India by the Rifle Factory Ishapore (RFI) in West Bengal. It is estimated that 17 millions of these rifles have been manufactured across the world.

Where is the serial number on a Lee Enfield?

Such rifles would have 5-digit serial numbers with either an “E” or an “F” serial number prefix, and the serial number would be stamped on the rear of the bolt handle and on the bottom of the fore-end, as well as on the receiver ring.

What is the best Lee Enfield?

SMLE Mk III
The best-known Lee–Enfield rifle, the SMLE Mk III, was introduced on 26 January 1907, along with a Pattern 1907 bayonet and featured a simplified rear sight arrangement and a fixed, rather than a bolt-head-mounted sliding, charger guide.

Who invented the 303 rifle?

Jacob Snider was the inventor of the gun’s mechanism and the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield was the manufacturer. Rudyard Kipling sent this gun into legend in his poem The Grave of the Hundred Head:It is the rifle of Mumbai police and of the Afghan resistance. I find the . 303 a beautiful gun to look at.

Is the Lee Enfield a good rifle?

Although small, each man could fire 15 aimed shots in a minute with his SMLE. “Keefe, why do you know all that?” Rugged, robust, reliable and in service to the British Empire for nearly a century, the Lee-Enfield was simply the best military rifle a century ago when the world went to war.

When did the Lithgow SMLE Mk III come out?

They could not believe that the heavy fire from such a small force was in fact rifle fire. The SMLE Mk III* (redesignated Rifle No.1 Mk III* in 1926) saw extensive service throughout World War II as well, especially in the North African, Italian, Pacific and Burmese theatres in the hands of British and Commonwealth forces.

What kind of action does the Lithgow SMLE have?

The action on the No.1 is excellent and very fast. In most circles it is well established that the SMLE has the fastest cycling bolt action style action of all battle rifles. The sights on the No.1 are some of the best protected ever designed.

Is the Enfield SMLE Mk 3 available for sale?

None Currently For Sale. AUSTRALIAN ENFIELD NO 1 MK III SMLE .303 BRITISH MADE IN 1942 25 INCH ” BARREL NO. Looking to Sell Your Gun? No Results.

When was the Lithgow SMLE used in World War 1?

Manufactured in large quantities during the First World War, the Mk.III and III* rifles were used extensively by British Commonwealth forces in both World Wars. The SMLE was very advanced in it’s day, the early 1900s to late 1950s. It was unusual for a rifle in WWI to have a detachable 10 round magazine not unlike that of modern battle rifles.