SMLE Lithgow

[JSH]

Have not posted much lately. I have been watching and reading though.

Well I did some rifle swapping had a few that were stagnant projects. A 30-06 AI and an 8mm-06, had my fun with them time to move on. Also swapped my Savage model 40 off.

Came home with a slightly used CZ American in 22 hornet.

I had not gotten the urge for a milsurp for several years. I didn't have a real good example of an SMLE. Well today this one just begged to be given a good home with the respect it deserves and has earned. It is as clean as I have ever seen. I would say unfired if some of the screws were in better shape. Bore is like a mirror. Guys at the shop had researched it a fair bit and said it was an Australian example. It has no "tattoo" marks on it so I will say it was imported prior to that era. Still has cosmoline in several nooks and crannies.
I will do some looking as time allows. Have several molds that should work well in the old war horse.
Jeff

 

[Pistolero]

SMLEs are good rifles. Not tack drivers, IME, but way plenty accurate enough for what they
were used for. Fast, smooth bolt and 10 rds, nothing wrong with that at all.

How's Sheldon?

Bill

 

[JSH]

Making some chips Bill.
I have been up to Richards shop a couple of times. Got a flash drive from Mr Pete to study with. About the time I get going on a project somthing seems to come up and slow it down.
The Lithgow will fit in with the other WWII era rifles that are pretty well correct as far as, as issued.
Always get a lot of looks when I drag them out to play, the Finn may well be the best overall, even beating both K31's. The Swede in my buddies hands is scary. The Argentine and Belgian are both wonderful executions of fine rifles as well.
Jeff

 

[KHornet]

I have been looking for a good clean SMLE for a long time without success. I have one that I picked up at a gun show a few years back that is just plain butt ugly, but fun to shoot. Abt 4MOA is the best it will do, but it is fine to plink with with lite loads.

Paul

 

[Pistolero]

I like the SMLEs, but IME, they run 3 MOA or maybe the 4 that Paul reports. I think wide groove
diam variation in wartime production hurts the average.

Never got to look at an Aussie version, but the best I have seen were made by Savage in the USA.

Bill