because the serial number was stamped later in production and stamped on the body and breech bolt too. On MLM, MLE and earlier SMLE rifles, the batch letter will be noted sometimes above or below the serial no. in Aussie service '3.M.D.' (3rd Military District) '10381' (the Military District or unit rack no.) On some rifles, particularly the SMLE, these unit or rack issue numbers were stamped on the top of the action body as well, e.g. were not recorded, rather that rack numbers were assigned and stamped on the butt or butt-plate tang. This is a reason that upon unit issue, serial nos. It is interesting that different rifle and carbine Marks recommenced with the no letter and A-Z series with each new model, so it is possible to find carbines/rifles of different Mark designations with the same serial number. These commenced with no letter, then progressed A thru' Z, often nominated for different contractors, RSAF Enfield, RSAF Sparkbrook, BSA Co., LSA Co., and the peddled scheme during WW1. There are more but again I would suggest reading either Skip Stratton’s or Ian Skennerton’s books on the subject.Įarlier SMLE and previous MLM & MLE rifles & carbines initially had the action body batches allocated a letter, before the serial numbers were stamped (to 9999 in each series). The most common of these were: XP was used for the Shortened and Lightened Australian Lithgow (No6 Jungle Carbine) rifles, A was used for No1 MkVI trail rifles, BS was used on the British No7 small bore rifles, and T1 for the No5 small bore rifles. These prefixes can be used to authenticate these rifles if found in a gun shop or personal collection. The venerable British Enfield MKIII in.303 British performed well during World War One.Certain serial number prefixes were reserved for trial rifles and specific rifle types. 4 Enfield was the evolution of an older design and was used in many famous battles such as D-Day and Arnhem. The British Army’s most famous rifle of the conflict was the Lee Enfield No 4 Rifle Mk 1 in.303 British. 4 Rifle”, the gun’s title was changed to No. 9, 1944, originally called the “Lightened No. Prudently, the.303 British chambering of earlier Enfields was continued. 4 Enfield was the evolution of an older design and was used in many famous.

(20.2' and 18.2' barrels) complete with bayonet. training rifle.303 sniper rifle No 1 Mk III (HT).303 Rifle No 1 Skeletonised.303 Rifle No 1 conversion to grenade launcher with cup discharger.303 Shortened and Lightened Rifle No 1 Mk III. complete with bayonet.22 Rifle No 2 Mk IV.

Lithgow bolt action.303 rifle, Model Smle III 1942, Serial number.303 Short Magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE) Rifle No 1 Mk III and Mk III. Royal Irish constabulary issue stamps for 1904. British Lee Enfield carbine in.303 calibre.

British enfield 303 serial numbers