New (to me) Enfield No1 Mk3 again

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WALKERs210

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This time there is no issue as to the caliber of the Enfield. In a previous post I had been more or less mislead about correct caliber of a shortened Enfield. After discovering that the employee at gun shop had in fact given wrong shells it was discovered that the 1st Enfield was in fact a 303 caliber. Because it had been shortened I really didn't care for it and started my hunt again. Two days ago I found one that was more what I was looking for, 1942 No1 Mk3 *, with 17" 1907 Bayonet. Wife went over it with a fine tooth comb looking for proofs and any other hidden data marks. Today the weather was dry, and temp was well within my tolerance so it was off to the back of property. First shooting was done with a 22mag pistol (another story) just to insure it would even fire. Stuck the plugs in my ears, put safety glasses over my own and after loading up 5 rds started the drill. No way trying to do a MAD MIN just wanted to make sure each round would pickup and chamber with a single movement, then following instructions I had about how to squeeze off the Enfield I let rip. Was not even shooting for grouping just wanted to get the first few down range. I have whats left of a tree trunk that we cut down with countless rounds and when the .303 hit the stump wood was jumping 20' in the air. The left over Stump is about 8" in diam so if I could hit it at 50yds I'm happy. Well they next 4 rounds were there. Next time out will defiantly hang targets at 50 and 100 yrds to see if these old eyes can hit consistently. I am looking for information on the grenade launcher gauge on left side of rifle
 
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The thing on the left side is a volly sight discontinued right around WWI. There would also be a peep on the left rear at the safety that flipped up. This was to allow shooting volly style to over 2000yards. Not accurate, but worked to keep the German's heads down.

Being a 1942, that is known as a "Dispersal Rifle" if is made by BSA. Made from spare parts left over from WWI at BSA after Dunkirk, it was a WWII production item. The Brits had already changed to the #4mk1 at that time, and England was despirate for arms. They are somewhat rare, and are desireable to collectors. The fore arm stock is not origional to that rifle, and the upper and lower hand guards have has the "ears" cut off. That was done to keep them from breaking off, but wasn't necessary.

Nice rifle. Are the nose cap, reciever, bilt, and mag marked with the same serial number? How about a close up of the markings you mentioned?

Nice find!
 
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Thanks for the input of information, this is why I come here. I know enough to say I don't know enough at time and I have no shame in asking. Every serial number I have found are matching, which was somewhat of a surprise. Love the way it shoots and handles very easy. Will have to get the wife to take pictures of marking because first she sees a lot better than I do and knows how to use these new fangled cameras.
 
Nice Lee Enfield. I have a similar one, also dated 1942, which also had the volley sight fore end and the handguards with the ears cut off. It was made in Ishapore. The bore is pristine. I eventually replaced all the front wood with NOS.

You may know this already, there were 4 different butt stock lengths for the No1 MkIII: Bantam, short, normal, and long. If I recall, the normal had no marking, the short and long were marked with an "S" or an "L" on the top of the butt stock at the heel. I think the Bantam was marked with a "B"? Anyway, I replaced my "S" with an "L" so it would fit me better.

Here's how it ended up:
SMLEIshapore1942_zps2b090e9c.jpg

My rifle was able to make 1.5" 3 shot groups at 100 yards with my handloads. It probably still can but a few years ago all my rear sights got fuzzy whenever I tried to get a good sight picture. My groups have widened a bit as a result.:D

Forgot to ask where yours was made. What are the markings on the right side of the receiver under the bolt handle?
 
WALKERs210 said:
This time there is no issue as to the caliber of the Enfield. In a previous post I had been more or less mislead about correct caliber of a shortened Enfield. After discovering that the employee at gun shop had in fact given wrong shells it was discovered that the 1st Enfield was in fact a 303 caliber. Because it had been shortened I really didn't care for it and started my hunt again. Two days ago I found one that was more what I was looking for, 1942 No1 Mk3 *, with 17" 1907 Bayonet. Wife went over it with a fine tooth comb looking for proofs and any other hidden data marks. Today the weather was dry, and temp was well within my tolerance so it was off to the back of property. First shooting was done with a 22mag pistol (another story) just to insure it would even fire. Stuck the plugs in my ears, put safety glasses over my own and after loading up 5 rds started the drill. No way trying to do a MAD MIN just wanted to make sure each round would pickup and chamber with a single movement, then following instructions I had about how to squeeze off the Enfield I let rip. Was not even shooting for grouping just wanted to get the first few down range. I have whats left of a tree trunk that we cut down with countless rounds and when the .303 hit the stump wood was jumping 20' in the air. The left over Stump is about 8" in diam so if I could hit it at 50yds I'm happy. Well they next 4 rounds were there. Next time out will defiantly hang targets at 50 and 100 yrds to see if these old eyes can hit consistently. I am looking for information on the grenade launcher gauge on left side of rifle
Click to expand...
Looks good WALKERs210, without knowing for sure I`m going to say you have a No1 Mk3 Lithgow, am I correct ? Looks just about like mine, good luck with her !.............
 
GUNBOAT, I had intended to clean this one up and possibly rework the stock. Wife stepped in claimed the rifle as hers and put the stop on doing anything other than a good cleaning. Bore on this one is super considering the age of rifle. Without a complete tear down I have found that all the parts so far have matching serial numbers which is a major plus to me.

303TOM thanks for compliments, on markings it has one that does show No.1 Mk III, there is what appears to be an * but on others I have seen this mark was next to the III. This one * appears on a different line. I am very happy with the function of bolt, picks up next round with not even a slight drag, while trigger pull is not silky smooth it is still very acceptable. Over the years I have always wanted one of the SMLE's with full wood, only thing I had ever been able to find was one that was customized, or Bubba'ed, or some other issue. I have two gun cabinets in my den one is for the KEEPER category and the other is in the Maybe - Maybe Not. This one is in the KEEPER Class.
 
WALKERs210 said:
GUNBOAT, I had intended to clean this one up and possibly rework the stock. Wife stepped in claimed the rifle as hers and put the stop on doing anything other than a good cleaning. Bore on this one is super considering the age of rifle. Without a complete tear down I have found that all the parts so far have matching serial numbers which is a major plus to me.

303TOM thanks for compliments, on markings it has one that does show No.1 Mk III, there is what appears to be an * but on others I have seen this mark was next to the III. This one * appears on a different line. I am very happy with the function of bolt, picks up next round with not even a slight drag, while trigger pull is not silky smooth it is still very acceptable. Over the years I have always wanted one of the SMLE's with full wood, only thing I had ever been able to find was one that was customized, or Bubba'ed, or some other issue. I have two gun cabinets in my den one is for the KEEPER category and the other is in the Maybe - Maybe Not. This one is in the KEEPER Class.
Click to expand...
You never said who she was made by..................
 
You never said who she was made by...
Click to expand...

I pulled out my magnifying glass to get a better look at the wrist band. It has what appears to be a lightly struck Crown with GR under it followed on next line slightly to left the letter B.
Next is date 1942, followed with SHT L.E. III*.
Looks like the importers mark, located on receiver just forward of bolt when closed, is CAI CT(?) ALD VT.
Above the serial numbers is the letter N. Barrel length is around 25 inch +/-
Also have to report that it shoots like a dream, actually hit where I was aiming... which makes it an excellent rifle cause I'm blind as a bat and shake like a leaf in a storm.
Thanks to all
 
G.R. I does not stand for George Rex Ishapore - it stands for George Rex Imperator (that is, King Emperor.)
 
WALKERs210 said:
I pulled out my magnifying glass to get a better look at the wrist band. It has what appears to be a lightly struck Crown with GR under it followed on next line slightly to left the letter B.
Next is date 1942, followed with SHT L.E. III*.
Click to expand...

That makes it a dispersal rifle from Birmingham Small Arms, as described above.
 
Sergei, (and DougW) can you direct me to your source of info? I need to get more education on this subject. Glad I didn't wager more than a penny!

I was able to confirm what you wrote that the "I" in GRI stands for Imperator, but wasn't that title used only in reference to India?

I understand that Lee Enfields made after 1949 at Ishapore were marked "RFI" where that "I" stands for Ishapore.

So, if you find a "GR" marking (no I), the next line should indicate the manufacturer: B, F, M, etc?
 
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They called him "George Ishapore" for his wild days in Calcutta. Seriously, though the G.R.I. is a special seal called a cypher denoting the reigning monarch. You can find "V.R." or "V.R.I." on earlier firearms denoting Victoria Regina. The Imperial aspect was indeed related to India's assumption into the colonies. Essentially made up, but they do that sort of thing. Like "Windsor."

RFI has nothing to do with the cypher, and just stands for "Royal Factory, Ishapore." Those were made after the war.
 
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I can honestly say that if there could only be one web site that I could ever go to this would be it. Unless I make a mistake about what I am trying to describe when looking for information I can count on all these fine members to step up and teach me what I don't know. And the older I get the more I know that I don't know enough. Again I wish to thank everyone that provides the answers to queries here and on so many other subjects.
 
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