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Indian Army, SMLE No.1 Mk III*, 1955 Dated, .303 Calibre Rifle. **1986 UK DEACTIVATION CERTIFICATED**. Sn - 22922 The Indian Army used Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifles, which were manufactured at the Ishapore Arsenal starting in 1905, initially producing early SMLE patterns and later the more common No. 1 Mk III. After World War I, India continued to produce and utilize SMLEs, eventually developing the Rifle 7.62mm 2A/2A1 in the 1960s, a bolt-action rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and based on the SMLE action. The SMLE Mk III*, renamed the Rifle No. 1 Mk III* in 1926. This is an excellent Indian Army SMLE No.1 Mk III* .303 calibre rifle deactivated to UK specification in June 1986. The rifle was made at Ishapore Arsenal in 1955 and is identical to the SMLE rifles made in WW1. The breech is stamped at the wrist R.F.I (Royal Factory Ishapore) and the serial number 15980 is stamped on the bolt and the right hand side of the breech. The seft hand side of the breech is stamped with the Indian proof marks. The rifle is complete with stripper clip loading bridge, winged fore sight and adjustable rear sight with wing protectors. The rifle also has a brass butt plate with trap and original webbing sling. The right hand side of the butt carries a roundel with 509 over a crowfoot. The woodwork in in good condition with only minor bumps and knocks from service use. The metal work retains much of its original blued finish. Deactivated to UK specification in 1986, the rifle cocks, strips and dry fires and the magazine can be removed. The price for this early old spec deactivation in 1986 includes UK deactivation certificate & UK delivery**. Sn 22922 £645.00
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