Taffthemagicdragon Posted November 7, 2016 Report Share Posted November 7, 2016 (edited) I have just bought a BSA 1916 SMLE MK 111 Looking at some of the makings, it looks as if it sen service in both world wars and possibly then shipped to S.Africa. But I think it then went for dispersal on the open market. Looks like the barrel was renewed I think in 1957 (57/2310) Stamp Appreciate any help for identifying as much history as I can find. Gun has been stripped and totally clean and fore stock wood has been totally restored by myself keeping a original stamps intact (as the previous owner had varnished it ) & back to original linseed oil finish coating. Can supply Photos if I can mange to upload Any help apprecated Edited November 7, 2016 by Taffthemagicdragon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
figgy Posted November 9, 2016 Report Share Posted November 9, 2016 Shame its been altered but at least its still around to use and a piece of history. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
English Posted November 9, 2016 Report Share Posted November 9, 2016 http://www.leeenfieldrifleassociation.org.uk/ These sites may be able to help you or the facebook groups: http://www.allaboutenfields.co.nz/history/markings/ Lee Enfield No.4 (T) & .303 Sniper Rifle Owners Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/568882893294723/ Lee-Enfield Rifle Collectors Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/242967846034461/ : Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinchesterDave Posted November 9, 2016 Report Share Posted November 9, 2016 Great stuff! Unfortunately I cannot help with your quest. However, I used to have a lovely deactivated one -1916 dated, also. I would love to be able to shoot one regularly on the ranges! Enjoy. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
English Posted November 9, 2016 Report Share Posted November 9, 2016 Great stuff! Unfortunately I cannot help with your quest. However, I used to have a lovely deactivated one -1916 dated, also. I would love to be able to shoot one regularly on the ranges! Enjoy. Dave Not sure where you are in Lancashire, however there are a number of clubs that use the TAVRA ranges at Altcar such as: http://www.prestonshooters.org.uk/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinchesterDave Posted November 10, 2016 Report Share Posted November 10, 2016 Spent many a time at Altcar with cadets! It's not far from me at all cheers for the link Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nagantino Posted November 10, 2016 Report Share Posted November 10, 2016 What a coincidence. I own a 1916 SMLE 111* with the South African mark. It's not all matching but the wood furnishings are all marked 1916. The nose and rear sight doesn't match either, drat. Now it gets spooky. The guns serial number is ...........1916. Yes, like yours it's had a new barrel so the barrel shows 19 2 16. It cost £115.00. With a new barrel I'm clinging to the idea that it's seen a lot of action. The rifle is in great nick and shoots well. I find posting photos a drag but I'll try later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinchesterDave Posted November 10, 2016 Report Share Posted November 10, 2016 What a coincidence. I own a 1916 SMLE 111* with the South African mark. It's not all matching but the wood furnishings are all marked 1916. The nose and rear sight doesn't match either, drat. Now it gets spooky. The guns serial number is ...........1916. Yes, like yours it's had a new barrel so the barrel shows 19 2 16. It cost £115.00. With a new barrel I'm clinging to the idea that it's seen a lot of action. The rifle is in great nick and shoots well. I find posting photos a drag but I'll try later. Hello mate, if you're struggling posting pictures, I don't mind doing it for you let me know and I'll PM you my email address. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinchesterDave Posted November 13, 2016 Report Share Posted November 13, 2016 SMLE images for negantino: Hope these are okay mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clakk Posted November 13, 2016 Report Share Posted November 13, 2016 First c/f i ever shot S.M.LE in the army cadets ,awesome accurate ,piece of history .If you google theres still a glut of spares available you may be able to get it back to original spec atb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nagantino Posted November 13, 2016 Report Share Posted November 13, 2016 Dave, many thanks for posting the photos. The gun is great fun to shoot but it's the idea of where it might have been that gives me the greatest satisfaction. I've seen many websites that sell SMLE parts but it might be harder to find parts marked 1916, which is why this post caught my eye. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinchesterDave Posted November 13, 2016 Report Share Posted November 13, 2016 Not a problem bud Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Green Posted November 14, 2016 Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 The first SMLE I bought was £3 and it came with over 140 rounds of ammo, The second one I bought was about £7, can't remember exactly . The one I have now I paid £120 for but it came with Parker Hale micrometer rear sights and I am told they are worth more now than I paid for the rifle. I shoot mine with 12 grains of Unique at 100 yds and 24 grains of 2400 at 200 yds and its very accurate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nagantino Posted November 14, 2016 Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 Which bullet are you using? I only shoot from 100 yards now as I use a smallish target and after that the sights and eyes begin to fail, but 100 is enough for me. This usually means my day is over early as the rest of the lads want to move back to 200 then 300 etc. From memory I was loading 34 grains of Varget and a 74 grain bullet. Getting the Parker Hale was a nice touch. I'm selling a Parker Hale twin zero folding sight soon. I never fitted it even, and it's like new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Green Posted November 14, 2016 Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 I just use the Privi 174 grain bullet or the same from S&B. The latest lot were 170 grain but it makes no difference Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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