RSAF SMLE No.1 Mk III .303 British Bolt-Action Rifle, 1916, Sporterized, 25.2 in Barrel, Made in England
This 1916 RSAF SMLE No.1 Mk III is a World War I–era .303 British rifle made in England, later sporterized with a shortened fore-end and simplified front end. It retains the Lee–Enfield rear-locking, cock-on-closing action with charger bridge and includes a 10-round detachable magazine. Proof and inspection markings are present, including an ENGLAND export stamp.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: There is surface pitting in spots on the barrel, receiver, and magazine. The wood stock shows multiple dings, scratches, and blemishes. The bore shows signs of moderate use.
What’s Included
- RSAF SMLE No.1 Mk III rifle
- 1x 10-round SMLE No.1 pattern detachable steel box magazine
Built at the Royal Small Arms Factory in 1916, this SMLE No.1 Mk III represents the WWI service pattern in a later sporterized configuration. It is marked with proof and inspection stamps on the barrel reinforce and receiver ring, plus an ENGLAND export stamp. Made in England, it maintains the robust Lee–Enfield action and hallmark charger bridge.
The rifle has been customized with a shortened fore-end, removal of the nose cap and bayonet boss, and deletion of the front handguard. A replacement front sight block with a sporter-style blade is fitted. A separate short upper handguard remains in place to protect the rear sight area.
Core features of the action are intact: the rear-locking, cock-on-closing Lee–Enfield bolt; the charger bridge for stripper clip loading; and a manual safety lever at the rear left of the receiver. The included 10-round detachable box magazine follows the SMLE No.1 pattern.
The 25.2 in steel barrel is paired with a barrel-mounted tangent rear sight (ladder style) and the sporter-style front blade. The rifle wears a blued finish over its steel receiver and barrel.
Stock features include wood construction with a brass buttplate and trap, a circular stock disc, and a sling swivel at the butt toe. Length of pull measures 13.5 in.