Gun Lithgow SMLE MKIII* in 303 British BA Rifle

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Gun Lithgow SMLE MKIII* in 303 British BA Rifle Vintage Lithgow Model SMLE MKIII* in .303 caliber British Bolt Action Rifle with genuine Enfield 1907 bayonet & scabbard. The SMLE designation is for 'Short Magazine Lee Enfield'. Proof Markings and SN on the rifle indicate that it is Australian made at the Lithgow Small Arms Factory. The right side receiver band is marked "MA LITHGOW S.M.L.E. III* - 5-44". The stock and metal are in very good condition for its age; and the wood stock is marked with several cartouches to include "III* HV - 1-D?D 1598- R-MA 6/45 Used. From internet: " During the First World War, the SMLE Mk III was found to be too complicated to manufacture and demand was outstripping supply, so in late 1915 the Mk III* was introduced, which incorporated several changes, the most prominent of which were the deletion of the magazine cut-off mechanism, which when engaged permits the feeding and extraction of single cartridges only while keeping the cartridges in the magazine in reserve, and the long-range volley sights. The windage adjustment of the rear sight was also dispensed with, and the cocking piece was changed from a round knob to a serrated slab. The inability of the principal manufacturers (RSAF Enfield, The Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited and London Small Arms Co. Ltd) to meet military production demands, read more

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