R.F.I. No1. Mk3* 1952 Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Rifle…(F 928)
Created on April 27th 2021
One of the last produced S.M.L.E. Rifles from India
Of standard production features, chambered in .303 with a ten round box magazine and Enfield bolt system. Overall length 44.1/2″. The round barrel is 25.1/2″ in length and the trigger pull is 13.1/4″ to centre. Fully stocked in a dark walnut with correct un-numbered nose-cap incorporating bayonet lug and stud with foresight pinched ear protection. Standard sliding ramp rear sight, graduated from 200 to 2000 yards with “EFD” stamped protective ears either side.
The receiver is stamped “22003” on the RHS. There are some other armourers markings including a “star” with illegible character inside looks like a “U”. On the LHS of the receiver ring is a clear post independence proof mark; crossed pennants over a “P” topped with the Indian ashoka. Adjacent is a modern BNP proof. The rear of the bolt arm carries the matching serial number, the bolt knob also BNP marked. The back of the action is stamped either side with clear markings – meaning unknown “M” and “A/17”.
The RHS of the butt-socket is clearly marked with post independence Indian ashoka over “R.F.I. / 1952 / No1. Mk3*” The use of the Arabic “3” as opposed to the Roman “III” is a correct feature. Serrated trigger within trigger guard which has a clear broad arrow mark stamped externally. Plain steel box magazine – detachable. Safety to rear LHS of action. Rectangular cocking piece. Bolt face in very good condition with no visible primer ring and still blued!
The butt stock RHS shows some clear markings giving more info to the rifles history. Firstly, most reward are the following; “M. P. / 97” Adjacent; circled but not easily read could be “J.D.P” then adjacent again but clear are circled “broad arrow / S . A. / I” this is a clear post Indian Independence mark. The rifle is equipped with an early brass butt-plate with trap. The underside has factory and stock makers marks stamped into it. The stocks are dark and smooth but also carry all the normal bumps and dings of military life, but not to an unpleasant degree. There is the smallest of cracks in the upper rear hand guard which is a common fault but is very minor.
The most notable feature of this rifle is the fine condition of the bore. It is very clean, with strong rifling and no pitting or misting. Five grove left-hand twist in good shootable condition. One of the last pages in the history of the SMLE ready to take its place in any military rifle collection – and to be enjoyed on the range.
Stock No F 928
£ 890.
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