Lithgow SMLE Mk III Question

by
posted on March 5, 2020
2-smle.jpg

From the archives: a reader inquires about the sling swivel on his Lithgow No. 1 Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III.

Question: I have a Lithgow No. 1 Mk III, heavy barrel “Club Rifle” SMLE. In front of the trigger guard is a competition sling swivel. How do you use this type of swivel?

Answer: The Lithgow Small Arms Factory, in Lithgow, Australia, manufactured the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) Mk III from 1912 to 1953. The heavy barrel indicates that the rifle in question was modified by the Australian Army for use as a sniper rifle during World War II and the Korean Conflict.

During World War I, the sling swivel at the front of the trigger guard was omitted for ease of manufacture and was replaced with a loop. The loop was used to secure a canvas breech cover to keep mud out of the action during combat. The SMLE with the breech cover loop is more commonly found than the sling swivel.

The sling would be attached to both the forward sling swivel near the muzzle and the swivel in front of the trigger guard. The sling is lengthened and twisted one turn. The left arm, for a right-handed shooter, is placed through the loop and the left hand is placed under the fore-end of the stock. Experimentation is necessary to get the correct sling length so that it provides adequate support.

Please submit your questions to [email protected].

Lead photo is of American Rifleman Digital Managing Editor Evan Brune‘s personal Lithgow No. 1 Mk III. Unfortunately, we could not locate the original photo supplied by the reader.


See more: Lee-Enfield Rifle—Workhorse Of The British Empire

Latest

Campfreedom 1
Campfreedom 1

Camp Freedom Is Making A Difference For Disabled Veterans With Free Outdoor Adventures

A non-profit 501(c)(3), Pennsylvania’s Camp Freedom provides free outdoor adventures for disabled veterans, first responders, their families and Gold Star families.

Results: 2023 Daisy National BB Gun Championship

At the 56th annual Daisy BB Gun Nationals in Arkansas this past July, the team and individual champions earned their titles.

Camdyn Powers Secures Ladies Runner-Up Title At 2023 IPRF Rimfire World Championship

Powers landed in 12th place overall on the 2023 International Precision Rifle Federation Rimfire World Championship leaderboard, as well as second place in Ladies class.

Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Slee On Winning: ‘It Has To Do With Goal Setting’

A triple-distinguished shooter, Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Slee continues to find success in his lifelong passion.

Taming The “Jungle Carbine”

Reduced power loads for Enfield “jungle carbines” with shortened barrels.

RCBS Is Celebrating 80 Years Of Precision Reloading

RCBS celebrates 80 years as a brand synonymous with precision reloading, continues legacy of producing American-made reloading gear.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.