Make: Birmingham Small Arms Company (B.S.A. Co.) of England

Model: ShtLE No.1 III* (Short Magazine Lee Enfield Mark III).

Serial Number: 238249

Year of Manufacture: 1918

Caliber: .303 British

Action Type: Bolt action, 10 round detachable magazine

Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked, “62I 238249” with a broad arrow proof. The stock collar is marked with a crown and, “G.R. B.S.A. Co. 1918 Sht LE III*”. There are various British proofs throughout.

Barrel Length: 25.2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a fully adjustable peep sight fixed to the side of the receiver.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The sporterized stock is a two piece checkered wood set with a sling loop mounted to the barrel, capped semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and vented rubber buttpad. There are scratches, pressure dents, and small chips throughout. There are cracks at the wrist with a small repair. The checkering is mostly sharp. The buttstock is loose at the collar. The LOP measures 13.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Poor overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is pronounced. There is light to moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 8/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks throughout with some wear to the leading edge. The screw heads show signs of moderate use. The markings are worn and blurry in spots. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 1 x 10rd magazine.

Our Assessment: The British Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) No.1 Mk III* is one of the most enduring and iconic bolt-action military rifles of the 20th century, having served British and Commonwealth forces through both World Wars and numerous colonial conflicts. Introduced in 1907 and refined into the Mk III* variant in 1916, the design is revered for its fast-cycling action, high magazine capacity, and rugged reliability under adverse conditions. This particular rifle was produced by Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) in 1918—just months before the Armistice—marking it as a late WWI production example. Over the decades, many surplus SMLE rifles were converted for civilian use, resulting in sporterized configurations like this one, often used for hunting and field shooting in the UK, Canada, and beyond. This example retains the original 25.2” barrel and receiver markings, but has been converted to a sporter layout with a cut-down, checkered walnut stock, side-mounted peep sight, and aftermarket buttpad. While the stock shows signs of age with chips, pressure dents, and wrist cracks—including a small repair—it retains functional integrity. The bore is surprisingly solid, with defined rifling and only moderate erosion, rating 8/10. The blued metal finish appears to have been redone at some point, now covering about 95% of the surface. Though the original military furniture and sights are gone, the rifle still embodies the rugged and accurate performance characteristics that made the SMLE a legend in two world wars.

Sporterized Enfields like this one represent an interesting chapter in surplus rifle history, where military arms were modified for civilian life and continued to serve decades after retirement from military service. While this rifle may not appeal to purist collectors seeking an untouched example, it holds value as a practical shooter with real WWI lineage. For those interested in affordable .303 British rifles, field-hardened craftsmanship, or simply a connection to the final year of the Great War, this 1918 BSA Mk III* offers both function and historical significance in a sporterized form.