Why all the holes?

[Steppenwolf]

For all that's holey? Could someone tell me what the extra holes would be used for? The " '45 " stamped in the stock, would that be 1945? Which Country?

 

[SKScanuck]

The one on the side was for the regimental disk. They stopped doing that in WW1 as the krauts could tell what regiment had attacked them. They put plain brass disks after that.

The extra two in the butt? No idea. Looks like a factory repair was made on the butt. Maybe they are for that.

 

[Claven2]

It's an SMLE Mk1*** butt that has been re-used in 1945 during an FTR.

 

[green]

The two bottom holes were for lightening , deleted WWI.

 

[Steppenwolf]

Thanks guys.

 

[smellie]

The Australians stamped dates on their butts like that. My 1918 Lithgow has a couple, including a 5/44.

Top to bottom
Buttplate Screw
relieving cut for trap spring
butt trap (for cleaning gear)
2 lightening holes for balance
bottom buttplate screw

..... so you start by being screwed, and you're screwed again when you finish.

have fun!