Need help with 303 markings

[HunterDave]

I know that there are alot of knowledgeable people on these threads. Could anyone help me with identifying the markings on my 303? I've customized this rifle for hunting deer and I'd now like to sell it. Before I do, I'd like to be able to give an accurate description of what it is that I'm selling.

The metal band behind the receiver down to the trigger guard is marked with:
"MA Lithgow SMLE III* 1942"

The left rear of the barrel has numerous markings including:
"MA VI"

Does anyone have a link that I could look up the info for myself on these and the other markings? In the mean time I'm going to do some googling.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Dick284]

Australian made at the Lithgow factory, No1 MkIII*
1942.

Australia never mass produced the No.4 BTW

[uglyelk]

http://www.enfield-stuff.com/index.htm


http://www.enfield-stuff.com/oilers/..._Australia.htm

[HunterDave]

[QUOTE=Dick284;461311]Australia never mass produced the No.4 BTW[/QUOTE

But that doesn't apply to this rifle does it?

What is this rifle commonly called? A Lithgow No1 MkIII* or an Enfield SMLE or a combination of the two names?

Thanks Dick.

[catnthehat]

The Litgow wood goes all the way to the muzzle, but the No.4 does not - a bit of the muzzle protrudes on them.
They are usually reffered to as No.1's or 4's.



Cat

[HunterDave]

I bought this rifle about 20 years ago and when I got it it was already sporterized with a wooden stock. I think the giveaway, for me anyways, is the the rear sight about one third up the barrel. I've since removed the front and rear sight and I put a no drill/no tap base and scope on it and the wood stock has been replaced with a synthetic one.

I'll see what everyone else is calling these rifles and follow the herd.

Well, I guess that now I have enough information to be dangerous. Thanks for everyone's help!

[mattonpatrol005]

in ww1 these rifles were called SMLE, S was for short, it was shorter than the previous Lee Metford rifles, M was for magazine fed, and LE was for Lee Enfield.

after the war they changed the numbering system so the SMLE's became the Rifle #1, and the P14's became the Rifle #3, and they designed the new #4 and later #5 rifles, so what you have is a #1 mk III*, the * was added in 1916, to denote the modified pattern which was easier to produce, they removed the long range volley sights, the magazine cut-off plate, and the windage adjustment. if you called it an SMLE you would still be correct as it is the same rifle, just with the new numbering system.

you will also have the newer design barrel for the WW2 style ammo, which is a good thing if you plan on shooting it.

cheers,

matt