Lithgow SMLE Mk III* FTR Bolt-Action Rifle in .303 British (1944, Australia)
This Lithgow SMLE Mk III* FTR is a WWII-era Lee-Enfield-pattern rifle made in Australia and dated 1944. The receiver socket/wrist is marked "MA LITHGOW S.M.L.E. III* 1944," and it shows an "FTR" refurbishment marking, indicating it went through a factory thorough repair/overhaul program. It is configured with iron sights, full-length military wood furniture, and a clean, shiny bore.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm is in solid shape. There are some scratches and blemishes present. The bore is clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Leather rifle sling (installed)
Built on the SMLE platform, this rifle features the classic Lee-Enfield/SMLE-pattern receiver with a charger bridge (stripper-clip guide) and a detachable box magazine. It is chambered in .303 British and is configured with a reported 10+1 capacity.
The iron sight setup includes a protected front sight blade with ears on the nose cap and a rear leaf/ladder-style sight mounted forward of the receiver. It also has a receiver-mounted manual safety located at the left rear of the action.
Full-length military wood furniture is present, including upper handguards and a nose cap/bayonet boss area. The rifle is fitted with a brass buttplate with a hinged trap door, and the length of pull is listed at 12.5.
Markings include various small inspection/proof-style stampings (not all legible), along with a visible serial number "7968." The "FTR" marking with a letter "F" beneath it is present near the serial, matching the rifle’s Mk III* FTR designation. Barrel length is reported as 25.2.