BSA-Shirley M47C Lee–Enfield No.5 Mk I .303 British, 18.75 in Barrel, 1946 United Kingdom Production
This 1946 BSA-Shirley Lee–Enfield No.5 Mk I is a correct British-made example with factory M47C markings on the butt-socket and the signature 18.75 in barrel with integral conical flash hider. It retains the No.5-specific lightening cuts, charger bridge, and the 800-yard rear aperture/tangent sight. Commercial crowned BNP proof and ENGLAND export markings are present. A No.5 pattern bayonet and two detachable magazines are included; the bayonet and magazines are not original to the rifle.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The metal and wood show scattered scratches and blemishes from prior handling and storage. The trigger guard has an aftermarket screw and bolt installed.
What's Included
- 1x 10-round No.4/No.5 pattern detachable steel magazine (non-original)
- 1x 5-round No.4/No.5 pattern detachable steel magazine (non-original)
- No.5 pattern bayonet (non-original)
- Steel scabbard for No.5 bayonet
Made by Birmingham Small Arms at the Shirley facility, this rifle is identified by the factory code M47C on key parts. It carries postwar commercial crowned BNP nitro proof and the ENGLAND export mark, affirming its British origin and later proofing for commercial/export channels.
Core No.5 Mk I features are present, including the lightened receiver, retained charger bridge for stripper-clip loading, and the 18.75 in barrel with integral conical flash hider. A bayonet bar/lug is fitted under the front sight block, and overall length is approximately 39.5 in.
The sighting system is the correct No.5 800-yard receiver-mounted aperture/tangent rear paired with a protected front post. It uses the Lee–Enfield rear-locking bolt with cock-on-closing and a manual safety lever. Capacity is 10+1 with detachable No.4/No.5 pattern steel magazines; the included magazines are non-original.
Furniture is the traditional two-piece hardwood stock with an upper handguard and oil finish. An alloy buttplate with rubber recoil pad and sling swivels are fitted. Length of pull measures 13.5 in, and the receiver is steel.