Thread: 303 SMLE identification marks

I've dusted off the old SMLE and fitted it with a new 2-7x Nikon Prostaff scope. I've been trying to suss the ID markings on it and am a little confused..... I'm pretty sure it's an Ishapore rifle (1944) but wonder what the other markings mean. The bolt serial number doesn't match the rifle number. I've had it for 38-years and this is the first time I've tried to ID everything! Thanks in advance for any help received

Calling the guru @Tertle

Have a look here mate, Markings on Lee Enfield Rifles - All About Enfields

I have a G.R.I no1 mk111 aswell.

Originally Posted by PadLo

Have a look here mate, Markings on Lee Enfield Rifles - All About Enfields

I have a G.R.I no1 mk111 aswell.

How the heck did I miss that page?

Originally Posted by bumblefoot

How the heck did I miss that page?

Well at least now you have found the entrance to the LE rabbit hole.......

Enjoy.

Originally Posted by bumblefoot

How the heck did I miss that page?

I really need to do some more work on it!!!

Interesting that it is an Indian manufactured rifle but has England stamped on the receiver... I actually enjoy hunting with the old girl. It had a Weaver 2.5x on for many years and have only just replaced it with the Nikon 2-7x. Mainly for sighting in as my 56-year old eyes aren't what they used to be......

Originally Posted by Tertle

I really need to do some more work on it!!!

It's a great site mate.

Originally Posted by Tertle

I really need to do some more work on it!!!

If anyone can sort it Ill say beyond all doubt itll be you-thats exactly why (and having met&spoken with you) I instantly recommend anyone with queries to seek your counsel.

Originally Posted by kotuku

If anyone can sort it Ill say beyond all doubt itll be you-thats exactly why (and having met&spoken with you) I instantly recommend anyone with queries to seek your counsel.

Good lord! Very kind but all I’ve done is try and get down on paper (figuratively) what the truely clever buggers like @gundoc and a few others have been kind enough to share, my actual knowledge is still so very much at the amateur level

For a Ishapore SMLE, it does not appear to have an ishapore steel screw transversely through the lower wood ahead of the main screw. Maybe it's visible from the right side of the rifle?

Originally Posted by Cordite

For a Ishapore SMLE, it does not appear to have an ishapore steel screw transversely through the lower wood ahead of the main screw. Maybe it's visible from the right side of the rifle?

Here are another 2 pics The "ENGLAND" stamp on the receiver is unusual too isn't it? I wonder if they made some up with leftover parts?

Originally Posted by Cordite

For a Ishapore SMLE, it does not appear to have an ishapore steel screw transversely through the lower wood ahead of the main screw. Maybe it's visible from the right side of the rifle?

There is no screw through the wood there! Weird!

Originally Posted by Mauser308

The ENGLAND mark means it was exported from england as a commercial firearm, post military service. Likely the foreend was changed out then as well, bolt could have been done whenever as they were matched when converted.

Thank you!

Wouldn't it be great to somehow be able to track an old 303's service record back through its serial number. Would love to know where the old girl had been! Still pretty cool to know that it was made in India, saw service, back to England and then found it's way to NZ!