Source for an SMLE

SBranson23

SBranson23

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Victoria, BC
I'm looking for a 1917 SMLE. Obviously I would prefer original parts and matching but price and availability will dictate my choice. So can anyone steer me towards good sources to watch besides: PSMilitairia, Ellwood Epps
or the EE here?

Otherwise I will just post a WTB in the EE.

Thanks
 
I figure that anything prior to 1917 would likely get too costly, Canadians didn't "officially" use the No.1MkIII until about 1917, 1917 may mean it saw service and lastly I have a 1917 Webley so I like the idea of a matching date.
I am new to milsurps and at present have:
RNOD (or maybe RNOC by then) 1943 No.1 Mk III* (all matching)
1944 LB No.4 MkI* (on the way)
1953 PF No.4 Mk2

My reasons are simple but that all said I'm not adverse to an earlier rifle.

I just wonder if the 3 sources I mentioned are basically it for Canada.
 
Has to be Brit manufacture as well? I have a 1917 Lithgow thats in the restauration works right now, with a few tips from and a visit to LouThePou to steer me in the right direction.
 
You might want to occasionally check our Quatermaster Stores (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/vbclassified.php?do=user&userid=1055 for private sales, auctions and notices of items available elsewhere on the Internet.

I've seen a few early really nice SMLE's go through there in the last year or so, but I don't think there's any currently up there.

Regards,
Badger

ps: If you get a message that you're not authorized, then you're either not logged in or not registered. If we don't have people register with legitimate email addresses, we get plastered with posts from spammers selling on-line prescription drugs and advertising ####ography sites. Registration is FREE.....
 
Hey this discussion forced me to look in my stocks of barreled actions. And there's a 1917 waiting for its turn to be refurbished.

That said, it would not have matching wood, but with such a retrofitted rifle, you don't hesitate to take it to the range and shoot lots and lots with it :)

Lou
 
$3000?? I'm not looking at that price range..eeks. but thanks for the tip on the Collector's Source.
And thanks for the QM store. I have been watching that and admiring the sniper rifles but they are too $$$.

Maybe the project is the way to go with this.
 
SBranson23 said:
$3000?? I'm not looking at that price range..eeks. but thanks for the tip on the Collector's Source.
And thanks for the QM store. I have been watching that and admiring the sniper rifles but they are too $$$.

Maybe the project is the way to go with this.
Click to expand...

Sorry, I was taking a little jab at their prices and not being very helpful.
 
SBranson23 said:
I'm looking for a 1917 SMLE. Obviously I would prefer original parts and matching but price and availability will dictate my choice. So can anyone steer me towards good sources to watch besides: PSMilitairia, Ellwood Epps
or the EE here?

Otherwise I will just post a WTB in the EE.

Thanks
Click to expand...

What do you want?

1917 year, British manufacture, All matching = Bolt, action, barrel, rear sight, nose cap, stock underside near nose cap. Non FTR, Also small head screw on the left side of the nose cap (large = FTR or refurb), Exc condition & Mint bore.

No Ishy screw...

They do come up for sale, there's are allot of scam artist's also (inaccurate descriptions). Try the local gun shows??

Be prepared to pay $350 - $600 for one. If you import, your just paying for paperwork worth the whole value of the rifle. Unless it's a Long Branch No4MkI(T) all matching in the box, never fired:eek::dancingbanana::runaway::D.......drool......

Epps
P&S
collectors source
zefarm.net
John C Denner??
tradeexcanada.com?? Ask Anthony, he can look for you??
williamsarms.net/ Talk to John, he has them in an out all the time

Peter
 
If you can, just keep going to local gun shows, one will show up sooner or later. I use to collect only pre 1918 Lee Enfields not that long ago, and before I knew it, I had over 8 nice Long Lees hanging on my wall, and a "closet full" of nice SMLE MkIII's ( a good number with the volly sights) plus 3 or 4 LEC's (one an all matching RCNWMP). Even had a LE MkI from my home county. Infact, they were falling into my lap at such a rate, it got boring, so I sold them all... The real trick is to start getting tables at the gun show, then you get to know all the other dealers, and find out 80% of the deals that day, happen before the doors open. (I will most likely be shot for letting that little secret out of the hat...) :D

(I won't tell you how many Ross rifles I bought and sold at the same time.... it may get a few fellows here a little teary eyed...)

If you can see youself owning this rifle in your mind, and believe it will happen... it will.
 
If you choose to import I say all the more power to you. I'm repatriating two Long Branch no. 4's. The strength of the Canadian loon to the US greenback makes it appealing. BDL has some fantastic #4's at about $100 less than lesser rifles are asking/selling for up here. Paperwork is not costly, in fact it's free (at least on the importer's side, depending on the dealer there may be a charge and expect duty charges also.) but it is red tape and time consuming as you have to wait for two branches of govt. to get their s*** together, and that's before they get to Canada customs.
 
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Pblatzz said:
What do you want?

1917 year, British manufacture, All matching = Bolt, action, barrel, rear sight, nose cap, stock underside near nose cap. Non FTR, Also small head screw on the left side of the nose cap (large = FTR or refurb), Exc condition & Mint bore.
......
Peter
Click to expand...

Sounds nice.. I would like to find such a rifle.

Thanks to all for the extra resources and helpful hints. I will keep my eyes open.
 
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