Question on a SMLE

[Puma]

I was cleaning my #5 tonight, and always wondered about a couple of things.

1. What is the small loop in front of the mag well for ?

2. Why does the safety lever have a hole in it ?

Puma

 

[BOHROK]

The loop is so a action cover can be tied on/ mounted. And the hole is the safety lever, I have no idea. Weight savings mabey?

 

[ipscgraz]

I believe that the hole in the safety, like the hollow bolt handle, is simply weight savings.

 

[Gnome75]

The loop was initially for a chain to be attached to the magazine. The chain was quickly done away with but the loop stayed. It probably stayed for the action cover as stated earlier.

This video will tell you more than you ever wanted to know.