Lithgow SMLE No.1 Mk III* .303 British Bolt-Action Rifle (1942) - Australian WWII, 25.2 in Barrel, Aftermarket Weaver/Picatinny Rail, 10+1
This Australian-made Lithgow SMLE No.1 Mk III* was built in 1942 and shows a well-documented service life with clear markings and a careful post-war refit. It retains the classic SMLE configuration with a full-length stock, bayonet-cap assembly, and iron sights, and adds a modern Weaver/Picatinny-style rail for mounting optics. Its very good overall condition and excellent bore will appeal to collectors and shooters seeking a clean, correctly marked WWII-era example with thoughtful updates.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This rifle is very well maintained. The wood furniture is in great shape.
What’s Included
- Weaver/Picatinny scope rings (uninstalled)
- Weaver/Picatinny scope rail installed over charger bridge/rear-sight area
- Green web sling (installed)
- Detachable Enfield-pattern 10-round box magazine (installed)
Built at Lithgow in 1942, this No.1 Mk III* carries the correct butt-socket marking "MA LITHGOW S.M.L.E. III* 1942" and an import mark "JJCO NY .303." It reflects a post-war Australian arsenal refit, indicated by OA-marked components and a replacement buttstock marked "SLAZ 54."
The rifle keeps the classic SMLE configuration: a two-piece, full-length hardwood stock and handguard; the full nose-cap with bayonet boss and stacking swivel; and iron sights with a protected front blade and ladder-style rear sight with elevation scale. Sling swivels are fitted, and a green web sling is already installed.
An aftermarket Weaver/Picatinny-style scope rail is mounted over the charger-bridge/rear-sight area, and a pair of matching scope rings is included (uninstalled), giving flexibility for adding an optic. The charger bridge remains intact as part of the receiver design.
Mechanical features include the Enfield system cock-on-closing bolt, forged steel receiver, a 25.2-inch barrel, and a detachable box magazine with a 10+1 capacity. The brass buttplate with trapdoor provides storage for cleaning gear, preserving a hallmark SMLE detail.