BSA SMLE Mk III* .303 British — 1917 B.S.A. Co., FTR 1953, Sporterized, 25-Inch Barrel
This Birmingham Small Arms Co. SMLE Mk III* was manufactured in 1917 and later received a Factory Thorough Repair in 1953, as marked on the receiver. It has been sporterized with a modified fore-end and simplified front sight while retaining its charger bridge and tangent rear sight. The rifle is chambered in .303 British with a 25-inch barrel, and it is currently configured to operate as a single-shot due to the absence of a magazine. Notable markings include the butt-socket "B.S.A.
Co." over "1917" over "Sht LE III*" with Crown, plus Crown over BNP and "ENGLAND" stamps.
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: The rifle has been sporterized. Many parts are mismatched; however, the action and rear sight are matching. The exterior shows widespread scratching and surface blemishes. The bore is dark and blemished. No magazine is provided, and the rifle is presently set up for single-shot use.
What’s Included
- BSA SMLE Mk III* bolt-action rifle (sporterized configuration)
- No magazine provided
Built by B.S.A. Co. in 1917, this SMLE Mk III* carries clear butt-socket markings and retains its charger bridge. The receiver is additionally stamped "F.T.R 1953," indicating a postwar Factory Thorough Repair that extended the service life of the rifle. Proof and import markings include Crown over BNP and "ENGLAND."
The rifle is chambered in .303 British with a 25-inch barrel and the traditional SMLE cock-on-closing action. Sighting is via a tangent rear sight (ladder/slide) paired with a simplified block/ramp front blade installed during the sporterization.
Sporterizing work includes a shortened/modified fore-end, removal of the nose cap and bayonet boss, and installation of a plain front barrel band. The hardwood stock and rear top handguard remain; the forward top handguard is absent, leaving the barrel exposed forward of the rear sight. These are complemented by a brass buttplate with trap and a plugged unit disc recess. Length of pull measures 12.0 inches.
The rifle is currently configured as a single-shot due to the absence of a magazine (capacity 1 round). The action and rear sight are matching, while many other parts are not. The receiver and barrel retain a blued finish, while the bolt body and cocking piece are bright/in-the-white.