First Foray into Milsurp: SMLE No.1 Mk III

[pronoun 1]

Hi all,

 

I thought I would make a post to mark what is both my return to the shooting sports after a stint in grad school which ate up all my time (and money), and my first time dabbling in milsurp rifles.

 

I recently picked up a SMLE No 1 Mk III made by BSA in 1912 (actually it is stamped Sht LE). I have done a lot of homework on Enfields since becoming the owner of one, and I have since tried to put together a picture of this rifle's history.

 

It seems like this particular rifle was rearsenaled at some point between WWI and WWII. Early features of the pre-mk III* are absent on this gun, such as the volley sights and magazine cutoff (though the slot for the cutoff remains). This indicates the forestock was replaced and the windage-adjustable rear sight removed when it was sighted for the updated MKVII .303 round (HV and SC stamps present on barrel). I believe the rifle made its way to India at some point, as the nose piece lacks any mounting holes for a stacking swivel (trademark of an Indian pattern nosepiece).

 

Still, the rifle retains its original barrel manufactured in 1912. Serial numbers match on the barrel and receiver, and the barrel has a 1912 proof stamp. Rifling is strong though there seem to be some rough surfaces on the lands. The magazine, rear sight blade, and nosepiece match as well, though it would seem they have been force-matched as the nosepiece was likely replaced in India, the rear sight has a struckout non-matching serial number, and the magazine has 6's stamped on top of the otherwise matching serial. Sadly the bolt does not match whatsoever.

 

I've had the gun apart in an effort to get all the cosmoline out, and all the metal is in great shape with no rust, pitting, paint, or other unfortunate circumstances. I'm eager to get to the range, though there still remains the issue of headspace. I hesitate to spend $30 on a headspace gauge I will use once for 30 seconds, but everything I'm reading online says don't pull the trigger on live ammo before confirming the headspace. Especially since I have an unmatched bolt. Definitely interested in any tips from the milsurp vets around here.

 

And because TTIWWOP:

 

http://imgur.com/a/LiPur

 

Thanks and enjoy!

[amish869 6]

I love the history of these old BRs. Good luck with your new found addiction.

[usnmars 136]

Nice gun. If you are ever up north let me know and I'll headspace it for ya.

[scarecrow 0]

Nice...Mil-Surplus. One is too many and a hundred are not enough. LOL

[amish869 6]

Also if you take the stock off make sure you put the rear stock back in place before attaching the forestock. A lesson I learned the hard way :-(

[Kaiser7 33]

Interesting choice, most people go with Mosins, or Mausers as their first milsurp rifle--VZ24 was mine. 

 

I want to get a Lee-Enfield at some point. Main thing holding me back is that I know little about them, including how expensive the ammo is. Everything I've heard says that they're a really nice rifle.

[pronoun 1]

Thanks guys.

 

I suppose it is an interesting choice. I have always had an appreciation for British military history, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't at least partially influenced by my recent binge-watching of the BBC drama Peaky Blinders. It's set in post-WWI England and follows the lives of two Great War vets who attempt build up the "family business" by becoming mobsters.

 

Plus, I read that Enfields have smooth bolts and good triggers. So far, I am not disappointed. As for ammo, I got lucky and snagged a case of surplus .303 HXP that CDT had this past month. Unfortunately it seems to be gone now. Still, new production ammo is about the same price as commercial .308.

 

I would like to get my hands on a Mauser at some point, but aesthetically I liked the Enfield better. I also like shepherd's pie more than bratwurst. A Mosin just seemed like the easy option. Plus I've shot them and I knew I would not be satisfied. They are fine guns, but the sticky bolts and gritty triggers left me unimpressed. I also did not want to worry about shooting corrosive ammo.

 

Really, I just like them the best. I have always really wanted a Garand, but they are expensive and I do not have a membership to the CMP. My grandfather is a 90 year old marine who saw action in the Pacific in WWII. His rifle is probably long gone, but I think it would be neat to at least have one like it eventually.

[Kaiser7 33]

Thanks guys.

 

I suppose it is an interesting choice. I have always had an appreciation for British military history, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't at least partially influenced by my recent binge-watching of the BBC drama Peaky Blinders. It's set in post-WWI England and follows the lives of two Great War vets who attempt build up the "family business" by becoming mobsters.

 

Plus, I read that Enfields have smooth bolts and good triggers. So far, I am not disappointed. As for ammo, I got lucky and snagged a case of surplus .303 HXP that CDT had this past month. Unfortunately it seems to be gone now. Still, new production ammo is about the same price as commercial .308.

 

I would like to get my hands on a Mauser at some point, but aesthetically I liked the Enfield better. I also like shepherd's pie more than bratwurst. A Mosin just seemed like the easy option. Plus I've shot them and I knew I would not be satisfied. They are fine guns, but the sticky bolts and gritty triggers left me unimpressed. I also did not want to worry about shooting corrosive ammo.

 

Really, I just like them the best. I have always really wanted a Garand, but they are expensive and I do not have a membership to the CMP. My grandfather is a 90 year old marine who saw action in the Pacific in WWII. His rifle is probably long gone, but I think it would be neat to at least have one like it eventually.

 

I'd suggest getting a Mosin sooner rather than later. When I bought my VZ24, Mosins were still routinely around $90. Now people want $150-250 for a 91/30. I believe that in a few years Mosins will be going for Mauser Prices (Currently around $450-600)

 

Where are you located? If you'd like, maybe we can arrange sometime to meet up and I'll let you try my VZ24. It's a Czech copy of the K98k, and while I have not shot a K98k, I've tried out quite a few of their actions, and can confirm the VZ24 has just as smooth an action. I'd be curious to compare it to the Enfield. 

 

Main differences in a VZ24 and a K98k is that the K98k actually had a bolt-stop when the magazine was empty. Many K98s were also made of composite stocks, made from impregnating wood particles with resin under high heat and pressure, whereas the VZ is solid wood. The VZ24 also has, in my opinion, the worst sights ever conceived. The rear notch is very small, and the front post is a fairly wide triangle, making it hard to see for someone with bad eyes such as myself. 

 

But yeah, I know with Mosins, their actions aren't as bad as they are perceived. Apparently the main issue is that a lot of time the cosmoline isn't completely cleaned out of the action, which makes the problem a lot worse. But I can't really say I've compared a partially clean one to a completely clean one (So I'm not sure how much of a difference it really makes.)

 

Either way, if you're interested, maybe we could figure something out, shoot some milsurp. I want to try an Enfield myself, but don't know anyone who has one.

 

I know the feeling on the Garand. My Poppop was in the 5th Airforce, 4th Airdrome Squadron in WWII. (Back when the airforce was part of the army). He was issued an M1 Carbine, but sadly there's now way to get one of those in this state. I'd like a Garand as part of my collection. But honestly, with any Milsurp, buying them sooner is better than later. Not like we'll ever get ahold of any milsurp from any conflict more recent than Korea, and the prices on those guns aren't going to go down. 

[Old School 611]

Thanks guys.

 

I suppose it is an interesting choice. I have always had an appreciation for British military history, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't at least partially influenced by my recent binge-watching of the BBC drama Peaky Blinders. It's set in post-WWI England and follows the lives of two Great War vets who attempt build up the "family business" by becoming mobsters.

 

Plus, I read that Enfields have smooth bolts and good triggers. So far, I am not disappointed. As for ammo, I got lucky and snagged a case of surplus .303 HXP that CDT had this past month. Unfortunately it seems to be gone now. Still, new production ammo is about the same price as commercial .308.

 

I would like to get my hands on a Mauser at some point, but aesthetically I liked the Enfield better. I also like shepherd's pie more than bratwurst. A Mosin just seemed like the easy option. Plus I've shot them and I knew I would not be satisfied. They are fine guns, but the sticky bolts and gritty triggers left me unimpressed. I also did not want to worry about shooting corrosive ammo.

 

Really, I just like them the best. I have always really wanted a Garand, but they are expensive and I do not have a membership to the CMP. My grandfather is a 90 year old marine who saw action in the Pacific in WWII. His rifle is probably long gone, but I think it would be neat to at least have one like it eventually.

 

Good luck Kiddo!  If you need help you know where I am.