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Thread: MLE or SMLE

  1. #1

    Default MLE or SMLE

    Hi All.

    I am Finally at the stage where I am inheriting my Family .303. After Initial research I first thought that it was a SMLE. I however think that it is a MLE now. I have been researching like crazy and there is so much information on the web that its really confusing. Firstly id like for someone to confirm my MLE vs SMLE theory. I have also been able to confirm that it is Union of south africa rifle. At first I thought it was a boer war rifle, im now of the opinion it was rather used during WW1 in German Namibia. It was my great great grandfathers rifle. passed down to my great grand fater(who sporterized it) (gunsmith did a great job though, barel still full length ). I want to see If I can restore it to original state. I also want to find out How I can find out it it has Metford rifleing or Enfield rifleing? was the barrel upgraded or is it original. I have so many questions. woud really appreciate some help. More questions and photos to follow.

    Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

  2. #2
    User
    Join Date
    May 2011
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    GP, but in my mind, hunting for Ivory in the 1930's
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    Default Re: MLE or SMLE

    Rear sight says it's a MLE as well as there is no charger bridge.
    Don’t take life too seriously, no one gets out alive.

  3. #3
    User
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
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    Default Re: MLE or SMLE

    Very cool !

  4. #4

    Default Re: MLE or SMLE

    thanks @CorditeCrazy. is the 4624 the serial number? also. how would I know if it is metford or enfield rifleing?

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  5. #5

    Default Re: MLE or SMLE

    As its a mark 1* and has both B.S.A and L.S.A on it im pretty sure that there has been upgrades on it. any ideas as to what? Can I keep asking questions like this or should I start new thread? I also cant find sold out of service stamp?

    Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

  6. #6
    Banned
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    Aug 2012
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    Stella
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    10,870

    Default Re: MLE or SMLE

    Contact Daan on the forum; he should be able to ID your rifle by smell and feel

  7. #7

    Default Re: MLE or SMLE

    Thank you. Im happy i joined this forum

    Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

  8. #8

    Default Re: MLE or SMLE

    Just an Update. I have found the following from markings on my rifle.

    1. crown BP - Black powder proof mark
    2. crown BV - Inspector view mark after final proof
    3. crown NP -Semi smokeless proof of all guns(Not sure what this means)
    4. Victoria Regina Monarch Cypher 2nd Proof(Not sure what this means)
    5. Union of SA stamp
    6. was in both BSA and LSA factories (Or has parts from both)
    7. trigger gaurd has crown with X 8 on it (pic attached) cant find any ref to that
    8. upwards broad arrow with and then 8f underneath it. Cant find any refrance to that.
    9. not sure about the D under what I presume is the serial number.
    10. Rear volly sight is BSA made
    11. Front volly has SFD stamped on it

    There are two other stams that are two corrded or dirty for me to identify. intend to clean to see.

    sorry for all the posts. I litteraly cant remeber when last I was this excited about something

    http://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/591b73a8...14_144050.jpg?

    sources: http://proofmarks.tripod.com/englishproofs.html

    http://www.allaboutenfields.co.nz/history/markings/


    Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

  9. #9
    User
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
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    Ekurhuleni
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    Default Re: MLE or SMLE

    Hi JP

    Your rifle looks very similar to mine. I made a post about my one here http://www.gunsite.co.za/forums/show...-S-A-303-rifle

    Daan, the local .303 guru, had a lot of detail to add in post #5

    From the pics the receiver is a L.S.A. "Long Lee" MLE 1*
    The rifle was rebarreled with a BSA SMLE barrel and the fore-end shortened, probably by the UDF armoury to put it back into service.

    Cheers,
    DS

  10. #10
    User
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    92

    Default Re: MLE or SMLE

    A Magazine Lee Enfield by the London Small Arms Company which was re-barrelled by the Union Defence Force using a barrel from its vast supply of B.S.A. commercials. The rifling will be 5-groove Enfield. Rifle probably ended up with one of the Defence Rifle Associations.

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