Tell me about the SMLE

[Ranch Dog]

I'm looking at a professionally sporterized SMLE at a very good price but don't know much about them other than what I wiki'd. Any of you guys familiar with them? What kind of questions should I ask about it.

SMLE.jpg

[akuser47]

I have no first hand on it other than witness and the casting.303 is a great round to hunt with. It has great info ballistic alto of support aftermarket i would buy if I could no doubt. Keep us posted. Are you gonna buy a build or sporterize your own. There are builders that have new barrels same action that are slick

[62chevy]

Had to look SMLE up, lol, it's a Lee-Enfield.

[Ranch Dog]

Had to look SMLE up, lol, it's a Lee-Enfield.

Mainly I was wondering if there are any differences in the MarkI, III, or III* actions and which one would be preferable? The barrel appears to be an aftermarket custom barrel so I need to see if I can slug it before purchase. Would really like to make a chamber impression before purchase (I doubt that will happen) as I want a SAAMI spec chamber, bore, and groove. My latest TLC313-150-RF design (7.62x39 use) would be perfect for the short case neck and throat of this chamber.

[Missionary]

Greetings
Have a Savage made SMLE and only bought it because it is stamped "US Property" for the lend lease buisness.
Over at Castboolits in the Military Rifle section are some very knowledgable fellers about these SMLE's.

My opinion is as the war progressed Bitian (along with everyone else) was cutting every corner to make them cheaper and faster for the fast expanding forces. But that said.. the basic action was used into the caliber 7.62x 51 (308) and help up well with even hot MG rounds. Many units stayed equiped with the SMLE until the FN FAL was well issued. Some regiments actually refused to be issued the FALs.
Mike in Peru

[Ranch Dog]

Well... someone else bought it. Just as well as as I would need to gear up with dies and cases.

[Fyodor]

Back in its time, the rifle got the nickname "smelly" from the soldiers ;-)

[akuser47]

From the cordite used instead of gun powder? I hate the smell from cordite loads

[Fyodor]

No, because when you try to say "SMLE" it sounds like "smelly"

And "short, magazine, Lee Enfield" doesn't say it has a "short magazine".

[akuser47]

Sorry i didn't catch on lol i thought it was the cordite I know first time I tore apart some old surplus ammo and found those sticks of cordite instead of powder I was shocked i almost SMLE myself. LoL