Canadian S.M.L.E. No 2 Mk IV*…………(F 1110) SOLD
Created on March 25th 2022
Canadian S.M.L.E. Trainer No 2 Mk IV*
A good example of how the versatile workhorse that was the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield went on to be adapted as a .22 trainer in its later life. Converting this one-time .303 full size battle rifle to .22 was a masterstroke of ingenuity, in that the requirement for a trainer for new troops would not require a redesign or alternative rifle. The rifle they would learn on was exactly the same as the front-line rifle in all aspects except calibre. So basic shooting skills could be obtained on the smaller calibre and with it a familiarity with the weapon they would be finally equipped with once in service. This obviously gave the worn out rifles a second lease of life and saved the war departments money in the training of new troops.
This rifle has been fitted with a new .22 barrel and the guts of the magazine removed; leaving a receptacle to catch used brass as it was ejected. This particular mark of rifle was only ever a single shot weapon and would not load from a magazine. This not only saved ammunition but made the trainee consider every shot far more effectively.
Of standard military specifications for an S.M.L.E. made by B.S.A. & Co. The rifle measures 44.1/2″ in overall length. The round barrel is 25″ long and the trigger Pull is 13.1/4″ to centre. Fully stocked in English Walnut with hand-guards over the barrel. As is usually the case with these trainers, there are multiple woodwork repairs to the stock, but these are armoury repairs and are totally flush to the surface. The stocks show the normal amount of wear for a rifle of this age and life-time in the military, but this does not detract from the look or feel of the weapon.
The receiver is smothered in markings and stampings which record in depth the various stages of this rifles lifespan. One of the most notable markings is a badly struck Canadian ownership mark. This consists of a large “C” with the war department arrow within. The top flat of the same has;- “M 192 / 1948” probably the rifles last designation. The serial number “7457” is clear on the RHS of the receiver. The bolt has a later rectangular cocking piece (probably the 1948 part of the inscription) and the serial number applied to the rear of the bolt arm. The lower LHS of the wrist is marked with;- “ENGLAND”. The RHS of the wrist really carries the history of the rifle in its inscriptions, it reads from the top down;- “royal cypher / G.R. / B.S.A. Co / 1915″ over “SHT’22 / IV*” over “No 2” That is the rifles’ life in a nutshell. Started as a standard military contract SMLE No I Mk III* in 1915. Then was converted to the trainer, either on or after Nov’ 1921. Then in May 1925 redesignated “Mk IV*”. Then again changed to “No’ 2” May 1926.
Early “pinched” ear sight protection on the nose-cap at the muzzle with bayonet mount and matching serial number on lug. Standard rear sights with windage adjustment, graduated 200 to 2000 yards for volley fire. Safety catch at rear of action marked “III.” Brass butt-plate with trap for cleaning equipment (a/f) Twin sling mounting points. The hollow magazine has “22” stamped on the LHS. One extra that I have added as this was vacant on arrival from abroad, is the brass ID disk. It is not genuine but seemingly appropriate.
The rifle has an excellent bore with sharp and continuous rifling. There is no pitting or misting. This will be an accurate shooting rifle. Freshly proofed on arrival and ready to train on again. A true collectible piece within our genre.
Stock No F 1011
£ 1850. SOLD
Comments Off on Canadian S.M.L.E. No 2 Mk IV*…………(F 1110) SOLD