Sparkbrook MLE Convert Aussie Club/Range Pattern Heavy Barrel
Guns International #: 100536696 Seller's Inventory #: 28175
Category: Enfield Rifles - Military Rifles - Non-US
Seller's Information
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Seller: Joe Salter com
Company: Down East Antiques - Joe Salter
Member Since: 9/10/10
First Name: Garrick-March-Jim-Joe
Last Name: Salter
State: New Hampshire
Zip: 03031
Country: United States
Phone: (603) 732-4000
Fax: (603) 732-4200
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1200
Total Number of Listings: 20186
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
We have a 30 day Inspection Period and NOT a 3 day Inspection.
Payment Types Accepted: We take all major credit cards with NO CREDIT CARD FEES! Also Check or Money order.
About Us: Joe Salter has been in the Antique and Collector Weapons business for 60 years as both a collector and dealer. Our company is based in Southern New Hampshire and we have had an internet based store front for the past 20 years. We are federally licensed and deal in all types of firearms and related material.
Description:
Serial #4808, .303 British, 25” barrel with a very good bore that has some light-moderate freckling within the grooves. This rifle was manufactured at Sparkbrook in 1902 as a long Lee-Enfield Mk. I*, but was rebarreled and converted to SMLE length in Australia prior to World War II as a target and competition rifle for use in club matches. For the conversion, the rifle was fitted with a cutdown long lee barrel (marked "HV/SC" on the top just ahead of the handguard and dated "4'33") with the last 1 3/8” at the muzzle turned-down to accept the original MLE front sight and base. The stock was also shortened to accommodate the new barrel length. The metal retains 75-80% of the original blue with dull gray fading along the high edges and projections, as well as mild brown freckling scattered throughout. There is further blue loss along the bearing surfaces of the non-matching (but Sparkbrook dust cover equipped) bolt. The rifle was never fitted with a rear barrel sight during the conversion, but a folding Mues aperture rear sight was installed and the left side of the stock has been reduced to accommodate it. The rifle has swivels installed on three of the four mounting positions and a correct magazine with chain eyelet (unattached) is included. Despite the fact that these rifles were intended for range use, many were pressed into military service during World War II for use by reserve and home security units. This is a very interesting Lee-Enfield variant, especially in the U.S., and would make a fabulous addition to any collection. {Ref. "The Lee-Enfield" by Ian Skennerton and specifically Pg 458 showing a very simular rifle. 2007} FFL or C&R
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes
Manufacturer: Enfield
Model: SMLE
Serial Number: 4808
Caliber Info: .303
Gauge Info: .303