S.M.L.E. Mk V………………………………………(F 1173)

Rare & Interesting Mk V SMLE Rifle

The first and main point to understand about these rifles is that many consider them a “Troop Trials Rifle”. This adds a certain air of rareity to the mark but it is interesting when you realise that total production during its time of development and issue amounted to some 20,000 weapons.  This is not a normal quantity for Troop Trials, which is usually as low as 1,000 pieces.  So it is somewhat of an anomoly in that respect.  However, it is still sufficiently low enough a quantity to make finding them fairly difficult.  Infact, if you take into account the total number of SMLE No I Mk III or III*’s that emerged from factory doors from begining to end, 20.000 is a mere drop in the ocean.  That is why any serious Enfield collector should take note when a Mk V emerges onto the market.

This rifle was initially supposed to succeed the ordinary SMLE’s in service, ideas which eventually appeared in the No 4 Mk I and onwards were partially developed within the developement of the Mk V. Visually, at a distance, it is easily mistaken for its predecessor, with its stubby nose and bayonet attachment.  Closer inspection reveals otherwise.  The rifle is still chambered in .303 with a ten-shot detachable box magazine which protrudes under the action. One of the main changes was the geometry of the sights, where the length between the two units has been extended – this was an improvement.  However, the early attempt at an aperture sight situated at the rear of the action was a bit of a let down – the principle was good but the actual unit – although versatile, was not as good as it could have been.

For the considerable changes made to the rear of the action the end result didn’t quite cut the mustard.  Changes had to be made almost at stage one of production to accept the wider sight.  It was a tipping ladder sight with two apertures on an L-shaped cross rail.  In the usual way we see on later rifles, there is a close quarter sight when the ladder is lain down and for further ranges another in the upright position. This example is graduated from 200 to 1400 yards.  The front sight  is guarded as any other SMLE.  In a strange echo from the past, the magazine cut-off was reintroduced.  Bolt release is the same as previous Enfields.  The safety is also the same but in the case of this example, it has been replaced in service with the normal fair.  It should have angled grooves cut into the outer face tilted towards the front but, this just has the usual “III” on it.

It was hoped that strengthening the front end of the rifle might permit the use of a rifle grenade cup discharger so, an extra band was added to the rear of the nose-cap for just this purpose. Significantly, as the midlength SMLE rear sight had been removed from the barrel, a full length fore end was fitted, made of two parts. This makes a big change to the rifles visual appearance.  Conventional brass butt-plate, sling wivels and magazine release. This rifle carries the serial number “A 2162” on the receiver ring, the rear of the bolt arm and the bayonet stud.  There is a very faint serial number on the underside of the woodwork, just behind the nose-cap which appears to all strained, old eyes that have viewed it, to match but, the jury is not unaminous on the last two digits, which are very close but also very difficult to read.  As everything fits and no alterations can be observed on any part of said woodwork it is beleived to be correct.  Colour, finish and patina all match.

When this rifle was found and brought back into the UK it wasn’t in such good order, but if you look into the life of these particular rifles, that starts to make sense.  After the initail introduction and “trial” of this mark, a policy decsion was made to drop the idea and move on to the No 4.  In that event these rifles were recalled and then sent out either to British dependants and colinies.  A large proportion went to the Gurkha regiments.  Those weapons were all issued with short butts.  This rifle has the very finely stamped 1/2″ high “S” just infront of the butt tang denoting short – a known alteration with all Gurkha issued weapons.  The corrosion along the “waterline” of the stock is a recognised ill effect of weapons not correctly prepared for jungle warfare.  It is my assumption that this rifle went out to the Gurkhas, who fought the Japanese in the Jungle campaigns where they earnt themselves another notch on their fearsome reputation.  Then, by hook or by krook it was liberated by the Americans and went home as a War Trophy, where it has rested ever since.  During its service it saw much use as the bore was shot-away and badly corroded. In lieu of anything else more suitable, we have replaced the barrel with a brand new, cosmoline wrapped, South-African, 5-groove barrel.  It needs shooting-in!

The corrosion and sweat of battle have also left their tell-tale impression in corrosion on the front RHS of the wrist strap – just where a waiting trigger finger would lay. That strip carries the original markings of the “G.R. crowned cphyer / ENFIELD / 1924 /SHT. L.E. / V”  These weapons were only produced from 1922 to 1924.  All the usual crowned and Enfield inspector marks appear over the entirity of the rifle in all the right places.  The rifle has been freshly proofed to UK CIP standards and is ready for its next keeper.  Don’t miss this rare opportunity to re-home a worthy Centenarian.

Stock No’ F 1173  –  FAC required

£ 2695.

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