Ishapore SMLE No.1 Mk III* .303 British Bolt-Action Rifle, 25.2 in Barrel, Matching Numbers
Produced by Rifle Factory Ishapore, this Short Magazine Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk III* offers collectors an authentic example of India’s post-war SMLE production. It retains its original 25.2 inch five-groove barrel, cock-on-closing Lee action, and matching serial numbers on the barrel reinforce and nose-cap. Hardwood furniture with a brass butt-plate and the hot-blued carbon-steel receiver add to its period-correct appearance.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good – showing signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Rifling Condition: Poor – rifling heavily worn or nearly absent.
Specific Condition Notes: The rifling is extremely faint, with little definition remaining. The stock displays a repaired crack in front of the magazine and scattered handling marks consistent with service use.
What’s Included
- Ishapore Short Magazine Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk III* rifle as described
This Mk III* pattern eliminates the magazine cut-off found on earlier SMLEs, streamlining reloads for faster cycling in the field. The cock-on-closing bolt design remains smooth and quick, a hallmark of the Lee system.
The rifle’s folding ladder rear sight and protected barleycorn front sight provide rugged, reliable aiming solutions. Both are original to the Mk III* configuration.
Hardwood stock and handguard feature the correct oil finish, complemented by a brass butt-plate with trap door for cleaning equipment storage. The carbon-steel receiver and barrel retain a uniform hot-blue/black-oxide finish.
A 1:10 left-hand twist, five-groove barrel was standard for Ishapore production. Although the rifling is worn, the bore remains generally clean, reflecting careful maintenance over its service life.
Chambered in .303 British and fed by a 5-round magazine, this rifle is also compatible with the Pattern 1907 bayonet, expanding its historical display potential.