British. 303

[Skidawg]

Purchased a. 303, can anyone here help me identify a number/Mark number? I think it is a No. 1 Mark III, it has been sporterized but it is cool. Markings have it at 1916, I will post pics once I figure that out.

 

[lysanderxiii]

Purchased a. 303, can anyone here help me identify a number/Mark number? I think it is a No. 1 Mark III, it has been sporterized but it is cool. Markings have it at 1916, I will post pics once I figure that out.

Back of the receiver look like this?

SMLE Mk III, aka No. 1, Mk 3

 

[Baba Louie]

1916?

No, 1 Mk III for sure

 

[Skidawg]

Trying to post pics,

 

[Panzerschwein]

Congrats on owning the greatest combat rifle ever made.

 

[mokin]

Nice.

My 1918 No.1 Mk. III is still a great shooter.

 

[Skidawg]

Pics

Do these help?

 

[Candyman87]

Looks like a 1916 BSA (Birmingham Small Arms factory) made Sht. LE aka SMLE (Short Magazine Lee Enfield). Can't tell if it's a Mk III or Mk III* with those photos. Does the gun have a magazine cutoff? Looks like this:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee–Enfield#/media/File:SMLEAction.jpg

That being said, I've got a No. 4 Mk 1*/3 from 1944. Also sporterized, and one of my favorite to shoot.

 

[Skidawg]

Yes

 

[Sunray]

Yep. That's a No. 1 Mk III* made by Birmingham Small Arms Co. Stars were introduced on 2 Jan. 1916.
Check the headspace before you shoot it.
The .303 2.222" stuff is mandatory, Brit, proof marks required for any milsurp sold through England. The rest of the stamps are military proof marks.

 

[Skidawg]

.303

It has the magazine "blocker", windage knob and ribbed trigger, I think Mark III, pre war demand changes associated with III*. 1916, but before changes.

 

[lysanderxiii]

It has the magazine "blocker", windage knob and ribbed trigger, I think Mark III, pre war demand changes associated with III*. 1916, but before changes.

The change from Mk III to Mk III* was in 1916, mid war....

 

[krinko]

In photo 3, it is possible to see the cancelled * to the right of the III.
So this rifle started out a III* and was changed to post-war MkIII status by installation of the magazine cut-off.
Does the number on the bottom of the rear sight match the receiver?
-----krinko

 

[Skidawg]

.303

Barrel and receiver 90989, front sight 3613 and 4053. Bolt 26144.

 

[desidog]

Barrel and receiver 90989, front sight 3613 and 4053. Bolt 26144.

Since the receiver and bolt don't match, DEFINITELY check the headspace.

 

[Mk VII]

Barrel date appears to be '32 or '36.
Typically these repair jobs were done with cannibalised parts.