1916 RSAF Short Magazine Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III* Sporterized .303 British Bolt-Action Rifle
Built at the Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield during World War I, this 1916 Short Magazine Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III* has been thoughtfully sporterized for modern field use. A black synthetic Monte Carlo stock, intact charger bridge, and matching receiver-to-barrel serials give this .303 British rifle a blend of historical authenticity and updated ergonomics that will appeal to shooters and collectors alike.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair – extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good – intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The barrel shows several large scratches, and the metal surfaces display scattered handling marks and blemishes consistent with field use.
What’s Included
- Lee-Enfield SMLE steel 10-round box magazine
Produced in 1916, the receiver bears the Crown ENFIELD socket marking and the rifle retains its original military ladder rear sight graduated to 2,000 yards. The charger bridge remains intact, allowing quick loading with standard five-round chargers.
Sporterizing updates include a black polymer Monte Carlo stock with checkering and a rubber recoil pad, giving a 14.25-inch length of pull and improved shoulder fit. The original upper handguard, nosecap, and sling swivels have been removed; sling-swivel studs have been installed for modern slings or bipods.
The 25.2-inch carbon-steel barrel keeps the classic SMLE profile but no longer carries a bayonet boss, and its front-sight protective ears have been removed for an unobstructed sight picture. A C.A.I. St. Albans, Vermont import stamp is present on the barrel.
Mechanically, this No. 1 Mk III* retains its robust bolt-action system and 10-round detachable magazine, maintaining the rapid-fire capability that made the SMLE famous. Matching serial numbers on the receiver and barrel confirm original factory pairing.