SmLE newbie, what did I get myself into, Pic heavy

[DRAGONFLYDF]

Not my first Milsurp, but first British one. I picked up a SmLE MkIII at a auction last night for $160, only thing is, it is missing the Mag. What can you tell me about it ? Where can I find a mag ?

[Fred]

It's not a .22 caliber is it?

[Black Jack]

Well your have a nice rifle 1918 SMLE, matching numbers except mag. Is the rear sight still there (not the adjustable ladder)? The one side of the wood looks okay, no new scrapes or gouges. How does the rifling look, frosted pitted? .22 or .303, $160 is a steal, good job.

[Guamsst]

You got yourself a Canukian....I mean Canadian smelly I mean SMLE rifle. look at photo six just in front of the safety lever. There is a C with a broad arrow in it. That's the Canadian property stamp.

I would call it a fair price. But the price varies greatly by market. You can get a mag through Numrich gun parts, Sarco, Ebay or gunbroker for around $40. I would go with Sarco or Numrich.

[dave]

The adjustable ladder sight at rear is not original unless its some special target sight the military used. Canada property stamped seems to be on that sight. Never seen one before! Only base of barrel sight remains.

[Guamsst]

The adjustable ladder sight at rear is not original unless its some special target sight the military used. Canada property stamped seems to be on that sight. Never seen one before! Only base of barrel sight remains.

I was thinking about that too after I posted. Could be a Canadian rifle.....or just a Canadian sight. I am not familiar with that sight. I am comfortable with the assumption that it is a Canadian rifle but can't say 100% since the sight could have been swapped after being stamped.

[DRAGONFLYDF]

Well your have a nice rifle 1918 SMLE, matching numbers except mag. Is the rear sight still there (not the adjustable ladder)? The one side of the wood looks okay, no new scrapes or gouges. How does the rifling look, frosted pitted? .22 or .303, $160 is a steal, good job.

it is .303, the bore looks a little frosted after a good scrubbing, and the rear sight is a base only, with a micrometer type sight on the receiver replacing the barrel mounted rear sight, The wood is the same on both sides with no new scratches or gouges, the barrel appears to have olive green paint on it where it is under the wood.

[Guamsst]

The green paint under the wood is a war time armourers addition, do not remove.

[John Sukey]

Have one spare mag left. $25 plus postage, if you can't find one cheaper somewhere else.

(also assuming you are in the U.S.)

[Guamsst]

Have one spare mag left. $25 plus postage, if you can't find one cheaper somewhere else.

(also assuming you are in the U.S.)

I have not seen one for $25 in a few years.