Receiver Notch on SMLE rifles, other questions.

[LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1]

I was looking into the No.1 Mk3 rifles since I kinda want a proper matching example one of these days, and noticed most rifles have a Notch above the breech, on the receiver ring. I found some pics of rifles without it however.

Was it an early feature that was deleted or the opposite? I have seen pictures of early rifle with the notch as well as later rifles, and same thing without the notch.

Here are Some Google Pics.

With the Notch

Without it

Thanks

 

[shredder]

Could the notch have been used on Indian or Australian mfg'd rifles, not ones made in Britain?

 

[LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1]

Another Question, When was the Mag Cut off deleted? I found a 1917 BSA Shtle MkIII* that has both the mag cut off and the Volley sight plate. Buddy told me these were deleted around 1916. Did they continue to make the receivers with the mag cut off into 1917?

 

[Eaglelord17]

As I understand it the decision to make Mk. III* was not a instant process. They used up old parts, and some manufacturers continued producing certain parts longer. Post-war they also started making Mk. III rifles again just without the volley sights and adjustable rear sight.

 

[JP]

Using up old receivers already in stores. I also have seen post WW1 re-arsenaled No. 1 MKIII* rifles converted to MKIII by adding a magazine cut-off. A lot of strange things done in the long history Lee-Enfield rifles.

 

[Kayser Sose]

calling Smellie

 

[5THBATT]

The magazine cutoff was not deleted in 1916, the LoC of 1916 was in 2 parts, part 1 was about the MkIII & listed the parts that were to be omitted from future production, the list included the Volley sights, windage rear sight etc.
Part 2 of the LoC was the introduction of the MkIII* which other than the lack of a cutoff slot was the same as a MkIII so the changes to the MkIII listed in part 1 of the LoC also applied to the MkIII*.
Lithgow & LSA both produced MkIIIs with cutoffs into 1918.