Make: Ishapore, India

Model: ShtLE No.1 MK. III

Serial Number: 18434

Year of Manufacture: 1919

Caliber: .303 British

Action Type: Bolt action, single shot rifle fed by detachable magazines.

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with the broad arrow proofs and, “18434”. The stock collar is marked, “G.R.I. ISHAPORE ShtLE III” on the right and has a 1928 refurbish proof. All serialized parts are matched. There are various proofs throughout.

Barrel Length: 25.2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set on a ramped base and between two protective wings. There is a scope base mounted to the receiver with a Bushnell 4x Banner. The scope is in Very Good condition.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece sporterized set with a schnabel forend, checkering, straight wrist, straight comb, sling loop, and brass buttplate. There are handling marks throughout. There are no cracks throughout. There is a repair at the receiver. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition as sporterized.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 10rd detachable magazine in Very Good Condition.

Type of Finish: Oil Dipped

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is deep. There is light erosion in the bore with light spots of pitting. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. The receiver and bolt have heavy thinning and patina, but the barrel still retains much of its finish. There are spots of rust throughout along with spots of pitting. The screw heads show moderate to heavy use. The markings are faded and worn in spots. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair 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: One magazine.

Our Assessment: This Sporterized Ishapore Enfield ShtLE No. 1 Mk III, chambered in .303 British and dated 1919, is a unique piece of post-WWI British Commonwealth military history, reimagined for civilian sporting use. Originally produced at the Ishapore Rifle Factory in India, this rifle would have been manufactured under the authority of the British Empire to supply troops across the Commonwealth. The markings indicate a 1928 refurbishment, reflecting the rifle’s continued service life after WWI. The G.R.I. (George Rex Imperator) and Enfield designation on the stock collar are typical of rifles made under British rule in India. Now sporterized and equipped with a Bushnell 4x Banner scope mounted to the receiver, this rifle bridges its military roots with practical hunting or recreational shooting purposes. The rifle retains its original 25.2” barrel, long celebrated for its accuracy and smooth cycling bolt action, both trademarks of the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) design. Though it has been altered from its original military configuration, the stock features a checkered schnabel forend and straight comb, and is structurally sound despite handling marks and a repair near the receiver. The bore is gray with strong rifling and only light erosion and minor pitting, rating a solid 7/10, making it suitable for continued range use. The metal finish is worn, with only about 40% remaining, especially on the receiver and bolt where heavy patina and thinning are present. Nevertheless, the action remains fully functional, and the included 10-round detachable magazine feeds as intended.

For those who enjoy historically rich, functional surplus rifles, this Ishapore SMLE Mk III is a great option for shooters or collectors interested in an affordable .303 British rifle with a blend of colonial-era military heritage and practical sporter utility. The added scope setup makes it more accessible for modern shooters who prefer optics, while the Lee-Enfield’s battle-proven design and smooth action continue to shine through. Whether you're adding it to a surplus collection or using it as a capable shooter in the field, this 1919 Ishapore sporter is a distinctive and affordable entry into the world of classic bolt-action rifles.