What did I just buy?

[Bigbuckeye]

Well, I have wanted an SMLE for some time now. I usually dive in, do a bunch of research and then make a well informed purchase.......err....not this time. I decided to bid on this rifle and frankly, not sure if I made a good decision.

Thoughts?

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=283177694

[m1ashooter]

I think you bought a piece of history.

[Bigbuckeye]

Love it!

[Homer2]

It's a nice 1915 BSA MkIII rifle. It looks like it was Factory Thorough Repair (FTR) sometime after WW2 or so. It's been rebuilt many times likely, and the only original parts are probably on the receiver. Still a really, really good rifle. Cheers!

[John Sukey]

Actualy the rifle does have all original parts. the ones it left the service with!

[Bigbuckeye]

Thanks, can't wait to get my hands on it

[Bigbuckeye]

Here it is..

[CHW2021]

I have to ask, is a rifles value affected by the "ftr" marking, is the "overhaul" stamp a + or - to a collector vs a shooter? I am not very familiar with British rifles; educate me on this detail please.

[Guamsst]

Ok, just preference and experience. Unless you are dealing with a super expensive ultra rare rifle I would let the FTR have 0% priority on the price. Some folks may prefer it without the FTR, but FTR is a military arsenal mark. Even if it is a wartime gun, the FTR is really only a sign that it was taken care of while in service.

There are ofcourse, always exceptions to the rule. Generally, if you are selling it, the FTR is provenance of the great care this valuable antique received while in glorious service. If you are buying it, the FTR is a sign that the old junk gun was plum worn out and had all its original parts replaced.

For more oppurtunity to bicker, SEE: Japanese rifles with ground mums.

[Barryeye]

That is one lovely looking rifle. If only it could talk. I note that it does not have a sling. I don’t know how common WWI SMLE slings are in the U.S. but if you can’t find one I have one you can have no charge. Just a year older than your rifle. Not mint but in keeping with the patina of your rifle. Came off a cut down for hunting SMLE I was given. The rifle was in very poor condition and I gave it away for spares but kept the sling. If it helps complete your old warrior you are welcome to it.