Enfield No.1 MkIII GRI India Ishapore SMLE .303 British Bolt Action Rifle

Enfield No.1 MkIII GRI India Ishapore SMLE .303 British Bolt Action Rifle

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SOLD FOR: $772.59

WOA#: WY220928KC001

Make: G.R.I Ishapore

Model: SMLE III* (Short Magazine Lee Enfield Mark III*). Later designated as the No.1 MkIII*. Grenade Launcher model with wire wrapping.

Serial Number: 59954 J

Year of Manufacture: 1946

Caliber: .303 British

Action Type: Bolt Action with Detachable Magazine

Markings:  The right side of the stock collar is marked  “G.R.I 1946 No.1 MK.III”  The underside of the bolt handle is marked with a proof.  The right side of the receiver is marked “C.A.I. ST ALB VT No I MK III 303B UT”.  The right side of the receiver is marked at the front is marked, “59954 J”.  The left side of the receiver at the front is marked with a British Proof.  The bottom of the trigger guard is marked with some proofs.  The bottom of the grip is marked with an “S”.  Underneath the rear sight is marked with a “V”.  The right side of the buttstock has a cartouche “506” with an arrow pointing up at it and a “12” next to the arrow.  The front of the rifle below the muzzle is marked “59954”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 25.5 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set atop a ramped base and between 2 protective ears. The rear of the sight has a flat top with a “U” groove. It is marked from “2-20”. The rear sight also has protective wings. The adjustment can be performed by pushing in on the left of the slider and moving the slider or with the worm-screw on the right of the slider for fine-adjustment.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a straight grip with finger groove, barrel band, nosecap assembly with sight wings & bayonet lug, 2 sling loops and a brass buttplate with hinged door for storage.  The stock and handguards have metal wire wrapping for use as a grenade launcher rifle. The buttplate shows scratches and discoloration from oxidation. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Some have damaged small portions of the surface wood. The LOP measures 13.25 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild

Bore Condition: The lands are bright, the grooves are semi bright and the rifling is deep. The area near the muzzle is light gray. There is fouling and light intermittent erosion in the grooves. There is frosting near the muzzle. The fouling should clean up some.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The metal shows various scuffs & small scrapes. The bolt shows operational wear and has some cleaned surface erosion showing through the finish. The screw heads show heavy use. The metal markings range from deep to well defined. Many of the wood stampings are light or faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a 10 round magazine. It appears to function properly.

Our Assessment: The longest serving rifle in history is quite a feat, but a feat the No.1 Mark III holds with dignity and honor.  Used heavily throughout both World Wars and several more wars around the world, these rifles were a true workhorse wherever the needs for defense and firepower intermingled.  The British Army first adopted the SMLE No.1 MKIII in 1904 and shortly after in 1909, the Indian Army would adopt the design and begin production using British machinery using the same specifications as the Royal Small Arms Factory.  The rifle has served the world well and still serves in few parts of the world to this day.  In recent times, this Indian made rifle was seen commonly being used by the lowest ranks of the Indian Army and was even used during the 2008 terrorist attack in Bombay although those with the Enfields were easily outgunned.  This rifle was made particularly to be used as a grenade launcher rifle which is why it has its distinctive metal wire wrappings to be used as both extra grip while operating and to hold the gun together under such pressures.  Don’t miss out on this historically rich piece!  Good Luck!