Can you please help me to identify this SMLE ?

[gitrdun]

I am not an expert at identifying the variations of Lee Enfields. Yet, I've been asked to restore this one for the owner who received it from his uncle when he was 18 years old. He is now in his mid-60's and would like to restore it. He seems to think that it should have a full lenght stock, but I did not see evidence of that. It was in the High River flood of 2013. And of course, I thank you in advance.

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[gtr]

I was taught that sometimes its better to say nothing at all.

[gitrdun]

Originally Posted by gtr

I was taught that sometimes its better to say nothing at all.

And you shouldn't. My first rifle was a SMLE that my dad bought for me when I turned of legal hunting age back when we lived in the East Kootenay's Elk Valley. He bought it at Sears in Lethbridge for a mere $60.00. With that rifle, I've put countless animals on the table for my young family. I don't own one now, but I wouldn't put down anyone one who owns and uses them. They trully have a huge historical value in Canada and other colonies of the British empire.

[elkdump]

That ol 303. Come frome India man , probably killed and wounded a few elephants and numerous other characters along its journey

[gitrdun]

Originally Posted by elkdump

That ol 303. Come frome India man , probably killed and wounded a few elephants and numerous other characters along its journey

That's kinda what I figured due to the "Ishapore" stamp on it, wherever that is. However, I will need a bit more info from the experts out there.

[Dick284]

It's a No1 Mk III, still has the magazine cut off, so it's a full on MK III, hence no *.

It's Indian made in 1927.

Slug the bore, that'll tell you whether it's worth any real time and effort.


Looks to me like it's just another tomato stake.

[mgvande]

To bad it's not a .308 cal.

[covey ridge]

Originally Posted by mgvande

To bad it's not a .308 cal.

Why?

[Wood1]

If he wants it restored to original military issue than you will need to find some parts that are missing. At least it looks like the barrel has not been cut down. It should be 25 1/4" from closed bolt face to muzzle end. You will need, rear hand guard, front hand guard, complete fore stock, as this one was cut down. Also, swivel band and swivels, nose cap, rear sight protector, can't tell but maybe butt plate?

[mgvande]

Originally Posted by covey ridge

Why?

Cause it's an ishapore

[covey ridge]

Originally Posted by mgvande

Cause it's an ishapore

So being chambered for the nato cartridge would make a rusty flood smle more worthy of restoration?

[mgvande]

No just that they are not common in Canada.

[mgvande]

I did a couple No1 restorations and I think with shipping and exchange your looking at 250 bucks or so if I recall for the parts you require. The big thing is the rear hand guard those are hard to find. My last one I actually got a unissued condition rear hand guard and forstock but that was lucky. Two good resources are Numrich and Sarco. For screws and such I had luck with DS solutions in Britian. They even send your parts with a little hand written letter that thanks you for there business. A very classy touch.

[gitrdun]

Thanks fellows. I'll be looking for parts or perhaps a whole gun at Thorncliffe today.

[Sashi]

Originally Posted by mgvande

Cause it's an ishapore

I have an Ishapore and it shoots 1 1/2" groups. Fine rifle.

[Sashi]

Originally Posted by Sashi

I have an Ishapore and it shoots 1 1/2" groups. Fine rifle.

[mgvande]

Originally Posted by gitrdun

Thanks fellows. I'll be looking for parts or perhaps a whole gun at Thorncliffe today.

Did you find parts?

[gitrdun]

I didn't. There was a whole gun with full wood. He had it priced at $785.00 IIRC.

But I did purchase a couple of books to educate myself with.