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 Post subject: My First Powderburner
PostPosted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 1:50 pm 
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Joined: Sun Oct 29, 2006 3:00 pm
Posts: 1545
Location: Gander, NL, Canada
Handed down from my Grandfather. (Registered in my Father's name, since I am not quite 18. Don't worry, guys. :wink: )

A Smelly .303!

Lee Enfield SMLE Mk. III*, in -you guessed it- .303 British.
Sadly, the rifle does not have the original wood, the stock is chopped to a "sporter" configuration. The stampings on the reciever include the year of manufacture, 1918.

I recieved it today, and I like what I'm seeing. The stock is in fair shape for a 90 year old gun, but there is some rust on the barrel. It's dirty as hell, so it REALLY needs a good cleaning. I'll post pics as soon as I can get them. (No camera :( ) If anybody has any comments, feel free! I'm always up for comments, or if anybody would like to yarn about the SMLE, or ask for more imformation about mine, go for it.

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 1:55 pm 
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Joined: Mon May 08, 2006 8:09 pm
Posts: 3569
Location: Niagara, Ontario,Canada
oh man another LeeEnfield? those rifles are like flies, they're everywhere.. j/k ha :wink:

Now all you have to do is get old enough to shoot that thing..

Get it checked before you guys shoot it, the Lee's are known for headspace issues, not saying yours will but it's better to be safe than sorry. Spending some money at a gunsmith can save you from getting your face blown off(literally)


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 2:08 pm 
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Joined: Sun Oct 29, 2006 3:00 pm
Posts: 1545
Location: Gander, NL, Canada
rvd wrote:
oh man another LeeEnfield? those rifles are like flies, they're everywhere.. j/k ha :wink:

Now all you have to do is get old enough to shoot that thing..

Get it checked before you guys shoot it, the Lee's are known for headspace issues, not saying yours will but it's better to be safe than sorry. Spending some money at a gunsmith can save you from getting your face blown off(literally)


It's been fired with commercial ammunition for YEARS now (30 or more, for sure) but it's going to be brought to a gunsmith for a through (sp.?) disassembly/cleaning/oiling, so headspace will be checked as well.

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 2:21 pm 
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Joined: Sun Nov 27, 2005 2:51 pm
Posts: 2608
Location: Tecumseh
ok whats the difference of the SMLE & the lee enfield??

is it standard military lee enfeild or something like that??

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 2:34 pm 
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Joined: Sun Oct 29, 2006 3:00 pm
Posts: 1545
Location: Gander, NL, Canada
The SMLE (Short, Magazine, Lee Enfield) is a Lee Enfield. The SMLE Mk. III was renamed in the 1920s to Lee Enfield No. 1 Mk. III. The SMLE is just an older weapon, produced before the No. 4. (Which is the one you have, I believe)

The SMLE is lighter, and has different sights, among other things.

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Last edited by gyates93 on Fri Oct 19, 2007 8:36 am, edited 1 time in total.

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 2:57 pm 
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Joined: Sat Sep 03, 2005 9:25 am
Posts: 4582
Location: Ontario, Canada
Here is a bit of SMLE (Short Magazine Lee Enfield) information.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee-Enfield

The Lee Enfield was made by the millions so there are lots around at low prices. About 10 years ago, I had a No.4 that was converted to a 7.62x39mm using an old .303Brit barrel. Other local shooters have made them into .44 mag, .32 H&R, .444 Marlin. .223Rem and various other calibres. The cheap price on these rifles makes them fun for projects.

Many moose, deer, and bear have been harvested with old military .303 rifles. Not many other options are available if someone wants to get into big game hunting without spending much more than $100-$150 for a rifle.

The .303 is a fine cartridge but the large "battle chambers" and rear lock-up actions often make them frustrating for handloaders. Case life usually isn't too long.

Cheers,
Todd


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