1916 BSA SMLE - Save me from myself!

Kirk1701

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Accuracy Plus in Peterborough has a 1916 BSA No.1 Mk.III* with complete wood etc. for $399. Somebody buy it so I'm not tempted anymore. I won't link the ad or pics cause they're not a site sponser, but jeez that's one of best prices I've seen for a WWI SMLE. What are the odds it's desporterized?
 
The kids with reefer units up their wazoos have 1907s, Steve!

Next trip out, you will have to try mine!

Find some decent wood and we can play with the 1904, too.
 
The kids with reefer units up their wazoos have 1907s, Steve!

Next trip out, you will have to try mine!

Find some decent wood and we can play with the 1904, too.

About 7 years ago (you are going to kill me!) I went and picked out a beautiful 1907 lsa enfield No1 MkIII* from the gunsmith. In the grease for 200 dollars. I then proceeded to pay him another 50 dollars to sporter it and drill and tap it for a scope. I then gave it to my father in law as a christmas present. It sits in his gun rack and has killed a couple moose since. It is deadly accurate. The gunsmith told me it was his last one he would do as he was retiring. If I only knew then what I know now....
 
I actually think I'm gonna cry, Dave!

Mark III was approved at the end of January, 1907. My 1907 is an Enfield, Mark I* updated to I** updated to I***, so it was built in January. Funny thing is, it still has the taper-bored barrel, of which they only made 1000 that year.

GOOD thing about yours is a little gadget called a PLUG SCREW. Dab of red Loc-tite, pile 'em in until one protrudes, file it down and blue it.

NOT correct..... but better than HOLES.

At least it has a good home.
 
I actually think I'm gonna cry, Dave!

Mark III was approved at the end of January, 1907. My 1907 is an Enfield, Mark I* updated to I** updated to I***, so it was built in January. Funny thing is, it still has the taper-bored barrel, of which they only made 1000 that year.

GOOD thing about yours is a little gadget called a PLUG SCREW. Dab of red Loc-tite, pile 'em in until one protrudes, file it down and blue it.

NOT correct..... but better than HOLES.

At least it has a good home.

He absolutely loves it! When he passes on (hopefully no time soon) I will put it back to original.
 
The kids with reefer units up their wazoos have 1907s, Steve!

Next trip out, you will have to try mine!

Find some decent wood and we can play with the 1904, too.

My 1907 BSA MkIII is my favorite SMLE :)
1907markings.jpg

07bsamain.jpg

07bsalhs.jpg
 
I've got a 1911 BSA shtle III F.T.R.
It's sporterized but matching numbers. Would be an easy restoration to original if I (or anyone else) could find good wood and the metal bits. Dad bought it in early 60's that way from sears.
It is absolutely the favorite of all my rifles and I hunt with it every year (among other rifles). Killed my first buck with it and my biggest to date as well ;)

Now my question.... What's the difference between an smle and a shtle ?
And what does the F.T.R. Stand for.
I don't feel like googling, that would be to easy hehehe
 
The rifle was the "Magazine Lee-Enfield" as adopted in 1895 with a 30.2" heavy barrel.

It was reworked as the "SHORT Magazine Lee-Enfield" in a process lasting from 1902 through to 1910 (sights regraduated for HV ammo) with a 25.2" light barrel.

On the Bodies of the Rifles, this often was abbreviated as "Sht, L.E. III" but, on paper, it became "SMLE". Say it fast and you get.... "Smellie", which was the pet name by which they were known to target shooters for many years.

FTR is "Factory Thorough Repair": a Factory rework of an older rifle to "factory new" condition: rebuilt to perfection and proofed and inspected as such.

Hope this helps.
 
The rifle was the "Magazine Lee-Enfield" as adopted in 1895 with a 30.2" heavy barrel.

It was reworked as the "SHORT Magazine Lee-Enfield" in a process lasting from 1902 through to 1910 (sights regraduated for HV ammo) with a 25.2" light barrel.

On the Bodies of the Rifles, this often was abbreviated as "Sht, L.E. III" but, on paper, it became "SMLE". Say it fast and you get.... "Smellie", which was the pet name by which they were known to target shooters for many years.

FTR is "Factory Thorough Repair": a Factory rework of an older rifle to "factory new" condition: rebuilt to perfection and proofed and inspected as such.

Hope this helps.

Hey thanx for that reply ;)
I like learnin new stuff hehehe

As for this rifle you guys are droolin over... Is it gonna be a race to see who snaps her up LOL
She's nice ;) ;)
 
now i want it lol, u must buy it so i dont buy it please

Dude! Buy it! Put me out of my misery! I can't afford it, but someone who loves milsurp has to have it! I normally wouldn't hesitate, but I also have a healthy guitar habit and I've promised myself a new archtop for paying off my student loan. I can't afford to lose focus. You can't have everything.
 
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Dude! Buy it! Put me out of my misery! I can't afford it, but someone who loves milsurp has to have it! I normally wouldn't hesitate, but I also have a healthy guitar habit and I've promised myself a new archtop for paying off my student loan. I can't afford to lose focus. You can't have everything.

i would love to buy it also but i need a new vehicle and i might be going back to school in feb so i am saving my money for gear for school ( going to cost a arm and a leg just for the gear, let alone the cost of school :( )
 
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