Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is definitely an interesting rifle, with a long service history. It started life in 1897 as a .303 caliber "Magazine Lee-Enfield", often referred to as a "Long" Lee-Enfield, which was basically a Lee-Metford rifle with a different "Enfield" rifled barrel. The new .303 British Cartridge with the improved propellant was unfortunately too much for the Metford rifling, and was replaced.
This rifle was then later shortened and refitted to "Short Magazine Lee-Enfield" (S.M.L.E.) dimensions, and saw further service. The right side of the butt stock has the original R M / ENFIELD Rondel stamp, but also N S W for New South Wales in Australia. It was originally fitted with long range volley sights, however those have been removed, though the base for the front sight is still on the sight, so the rifle was not restocked during conversion. The handguard however definitely was replaced, along with the rear sight. The top of the barrel nocks form is marked MOTTY, and it also has the 303 / NITRO PROOF on the left side of the barrel under the handguard, indicating it was good for use with the new Nitrocellulose propelled .303 British Cartridges. There also looks to be the "Three Rifle" B.S.A. trademark logo in front of the rear sight, so the entire barrel may have been replaced at some point.
This rifle has definitely seen extensive service, and there are numerous proofs and markings on the stock and metal, some of which are no longer completely legible. It has several "opposed broad arrow" markings, for rifles sold out of military service. The receiver is marked with serial number 1548 / E, while the other numbers on the rifle are not matching.
On the top right of the stock cup it is marked with the original production information:
(CROWN)
V.R.
ENFIELD
1897
L.E.
I.
The royal cypher Crown over V.R. stands for for Victoria Regina. Well, this Queen, who reigned for almost 64 years, had an influence far beyond the British Isles and the British Empire during the Nineteenth Century. Victorian morals dominated the cultured classes of Great Britain and the new United States, and even now, in the Twenty-First Century, nostalgic organizations such as the Victorian Riflemen thrive in the former Colonies.
ENFIELD indicates that the first incarnation of this piece was produced by the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield Lock and 1897 was the year of original manufacture. L.E. is the abbreviation for the .303 calibre, Rifle, Magazine, Lee–Enfield, with the I indicating the first version. There are no stars indicating that it was produced as a modified first version. It saw service, and then was deemed worn or obsolete, so it was converted to the new Short MLE configuration.
There is however no conversion information stamped onto the other side of the butt stock, so this may have been done in Australia at armory, and not at one of the factories in England.
It is in fine condition and comes complete with the correct magazine and a functional magazine cutoff still installed. The bore still shows clear rifling, though there is some fouling in the grooves and overall wear from service. The stock is in good condition, but definitely shows long service, with numerous dents, dings, and other wear. There is some cracking, near the receiver area on both parts of the stock. The rifle cycles correctly, however it is definitely a bit finicky, and sometimes it takes several tries to get the bolt handle to turn. Slow firm pressure and movement seems to work best, and trying to cycle it quickly seems to cause it to hang up somewhere. The firing pin holder also sometimes sticks half way when the trigger is pulled.
Definitely an interesting rifle with lots of history and research potential! Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1897 - Converted Later
Caliber: .303 British
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 25 1/4 Inches
Overall Length: 44 1/2 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 10 Round Magazine
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is not available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to most US States and most U.S. territories.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to most addresses within the United States.
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