My first Lee Enfield.

jibjedi

jibjedi

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I just brought home my first Lee Enfield the other day and after only shooting it once, I am loving it!

After reading up on past postings in regards to these rifles I do understand what some of the markings on it represent, but there are a bunch that I am still not sure of.

I was wondering if someone might be able to tell me what they mean, and also where most likely would this rifle have served.

Thanks for your help:)

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Yours is a No.1 mk3 made by Lithgow (Australia) in 1941. It looks to have been both British (I think going by the standard broad arrow) and Australia Issue. Your bayonet is the P'07 (pattern of 1907) issued for the No.1 rifle and was also made by Lithgow in 1942.

A Nice looking rifle and a correct bayonet to boot. Are all the serials matching? they should be on the receiver, bolt handle, nose cap and wood.
 
Likely used chasing polite little fellows with Arisakas up in New Guinea.

Good historical piece.

Bayonet markings: 1907 is the PATTERN; it was made in '42. Big X likely is a sale mark.

Rifle was definitely used in War Two, most likely in Korea. It was built AND rebuilt in Australia.

Hope you're having fun with it.
 
I've read that the big X on bayonets is an indicator that the blade has passed a stress/flexibility test.

MA/52 might indicate that it was FTRed in 1952 at Lithgow.

Nice rifle. Enjoy putting her through her paces. :D
 
Lee Enfield No.1 Mark III

I also have an SMLE. All the numbers match except for the magazine. It's in great condition. I enjoy shooting it although I find it difficult because my eyesight isn't that good and I can't see the sights very well. I don't want to modify it though, since I want to keep it in original condition. Have fun with it!
 
Cheers for the great info everyone, much appreciated!

And yes all the numbers are matching. Except I suspect the magazine looks like a replacement, I can't find any numbers on it.

It definitely has a few nasty scars on it, but it sure shoots well!
 
jibjedi said:
After reading up on past postings in regards to these rifles I do understand what some of the markings on it represent, but there are a bunch that I am still not sure of.
Click to expand...

Here's a link that will help with official markings. :thup:

It's a site provided by Amatikulu with some good information to bookmark for the future.

Lee Enfield Rifle Markings (click here)http://home.earthlink.net/~smithkaia8/index.html

MA = Manufacturer's mark for Lithgow, New South Wales ,Australia

HV = Sighted for Mark VII high velocity ammunition

Regards,
Badger
 
Number 1 magazines generally were not serialled, although they were factory-fitted to the rifle. Spare magazines were NOT issued because it was considerably faster to reload with chargers.

A lot (but not all) Number 4 magazines were serialled. Why, I have no idea.

And I have no clue whatever where this idea came from of having piles of spare mags lying about (and even borrowing them from 'friends' and not returning them.... likely we all have had this happen). One mag is enough, given that you have bothered to learn to load a charger. And you can get about 50 chargers (hold 250 fast rounds) for the price of one magazine nowadays. You could just have a dozen chargers and put the other 40 bucks toward another Lee-Enfield.... or maybe even a REAL rifle: a ROSS!
 
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