B.S.A.& Co SMLE No I Mk III……………………..(f 746) SOLD
Created on July 11th 2018
A good Private Contract SMLE by BSA & Co re-barrelled by Alexandra Henry
An attractive looking rifle in good condition, chambered in .303 with a ten shot detachable box magazine. Enfield bolt action which cocks on closing, with D-shaped cocking piece. Once again it would be easy to absolutely identify this rifle, were it not for the fact that there is no long range dial sight but, there is a depression in the fore-end for the mounting of the dial. So it is my feeling that the stock was probably produced before the discontinuation of that component. The rifle is however fitted with the magazine cut-off. The rear sights also have the provision for windage adjustment.
The rifle measures 44.3/4″ in overall length. The round blued barrel is 25.1/4″ long and the trigger pull is 13.1/4″ to centre. This SMLE is stocked in an attractive figured light-coloured English walnut. It is fitted with a brass butt-plate with trap for cleaning equipment. There is an original pull-through within the drilled chamber but no oil bottle at present. On the RHS of the butt-stock is a blank brass disk. All the parts of the stock match in colour. On the underside of the wrist are two small letters within a circular star device? One is an “M” the other unreadable -they are not however the same as the Australian ownership mark.
There is a safety catch mounted on the LHS rear of the action marked “III”. The action is fitted with a loading bridge. The RHS of the butt-socket is marked with the makers mark of ” B.S.A.& Co'” The box magazine, when released, reveals the riveted device on the front RH lip which allows the follower to be removed. This in turn requires a cut-out in the magazine surround to let it pass in and out without snagging up; this was clearly included at the factory when the rifle was new. The rear rib of the magazine bears a “3” on the lower part. An extra sling swivel is mounted in front of the magazine opening. A stacking hook is attached to the rear of the nose-cap.
The rifle has the number “9521” on the RHS of the receiver ring. Extra digits have been added at a later date. The top flat of the knox form has the name of the famous Scottish gunmaker, “ALEXANDRA HENRY / EDINBROUGH”. possibly this SMLE was either supplied by or has been re-barrelled by them. On the LH top quarter of the knox are some more digits; “34 / BM Birmingham Proof mark / 8187″ Adjacent to gas escape hole. The rear sight is a tangent type with matching serial number on the underside. Graduated from 200 to 2000 yards and is equipped with windage adjustment. Rear sight protective ears keep the sight safe from knocks. The mid-band is the hinged type and the front sight the correct pinched ear type. The nose-cap also has the bayonet mounting stud but no serial number recorded on it.
A good contemporary leather rifle sling comes with the rifle. It is marked; “DA Co / 2/87 / 0190”
The action is smooth and mechanically fine and the bore is in good used condition with a 5 grove RH twist.
An unusual Mk III worth having in your Military or Enfield Rifle collection.
Ask for Stock No’ f 746
£ 1200. SOLD
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