Commonality of Early LE parts.

[tokguy]

So a professionally sportered Long Lee showed at my house...missing the magazine, safety and rear volley sight.
What is the parts commonality of early LE? Can I use a SMLE magazine in it? Volley sight is an unobtainable unit of course.

 

[B_noser]

Yes, a magazine for an SMLE will fit just fine. It will be missing the loop for the retaining link (can be added) and the forward cartridge retaining ears will be larger.

 

[B_noser]

Volley sights do occasionally show up, but are pricey. Repros are available but, in my opinion, don't look right.

 

[englishman_ca]

The volley sights are neither use nor ornament. The only reason that I would add one is if I was restoring the rifle back to original specs.
Your rifle likely has had the volley arm removed to allow for the mounting of an aftermarket target sight to those threaded holes.

To use a SMLE magazine with the larger feed lips, you will need the appropriate magazine cut off plate with clearance notch for them, otherwise lips get mashed under the plate.
It appears that your rifle has the later style already fitted.

 

[Claven2]

Front or rear volley sight? The rear mle volley sight is different than the SMLE one, assuming you have the bolt.mounted safety.

Much depends what specificong Lee variant you have. Some pics would help.

There are several types of safeties and sight parts depending on the model.

 

[smellie]

There is a complete LIST of parts commonality and interchangeability in the TEXT BOOK OF SMALL ARMS - 1909.

It is several pages in length but up-to-date for that year.

Unfortunately, the Mark VII round came out a year later!