SMLE Opinions

[Ben Evans]

Chaps, can I have your opinion on this SMLE, dated 1916 and made by BSA and a Mk 3, sorry but this is the only picture I have

Cheers

[Spitace41]

Not a lot to go on but it looks like the mag cut- off is still in place which is a desirable feature. Overall looks in good shape. Do you know if there are any unit markings on the butt disc?

[Ben Evans]

Sorry but that all the info I have, how much should I be paying for one of these?

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Sorry and what is a mag cut off? and why id this better?

[Spitace41]

The magazine cut- off allowed single rounds to be loaded into the chamber while holding the main magazine of 10 rounds in reserve. I think the idea was so that soldiers would not blaze away and waste ammo. These were deleted later on (I think around 1916) to simplify production. So it is a nice feature to have as not all have them.

In terms of price. I would personally be happy to pay around £250- £300 mark. But to be fair that is only based on what I am seeing in the pic. Check out dealer's sites to get a better handle on current prices I paid £400 for mine, but that is 1914 dated and has the mag cut- off and also volley sights for long- range fire. Hope this helps.

[Ben Evans]

Cheers guys, I am also looking at this one, again any advice or opinions on this SMLE?

Again cheers

[Spitace41]

Whats the date on the second one? I'm wondering if the NZ would indicate use by New Zealand troops?

[Ben Evans]

Ace 1918 is the date and thanks for the help

[Spitace41]

No problem Ben. I love these rifles. I am guessing that the NZ does indeed denote use by New Zealand troops. The late WW1 date may suggest that it was re- issued to them during the Second World War. Take a look at the New Zealand marking on this site, it pretty similar.

Government*Ownership*Marks

To be honest, if I had to choose between the two rifles I would choose............ both!

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No problem Ben. I love these rifles. I am guessing that the NZ does indeed denote use by New Zealand troops. The late WW1 date may suggest that it was re- issued to them during the Second World War. Take a look at the New Zealand marking on this site, it pretty similar.

Government*Ownership*Marks

To be honest, if I had to choose between the two rifles I would choose............ both!

[Ben Evans]

So I can take it both are good rifles to have then lol

[Ben Evans]

More pics of this last one