Customer Reviews for Lee Enfield Ishapore Number 1 Mark III (SMLE) Short Magazine NON FUNCTIONALl Bolt Action Rifle

This rifle is pretty rough, but it will look good with some work. They are advertised in American Rifleman Magazine as a piece of World War one history, but most were made long after the war. Still, for the money, it is a good wall hanger. My grandson and I will have fun restoring it.

Purchasing this Lee Enfield Ishapore Number 1 Mark III rifle for NRA Institute for Legislative Action fund raiser and membership to NRA for one year is a great reward. The piece came in non-functional condition and needed attention for show (at least) until at some point I fully recondition it. Just having my hands on it feels real good. I picked exactly the serial number I wanted and that's what came. I could not be more pleased with Bud's!!! I have visited Bud's often and this is my first purchase (perhaps not my last).

Well, as far as "taking home a piece of firearm history", that's subjective at best, depending on one's definition of 'history'. These definitely look like something that has been around since the early 1900's, but mine has a date stamp of 1959, so it's more just a case of poor upkeep and maintenance. So, vintage, yes. Antique, unfortunately no. (unless I just received the latest year in the batch) ;-). Don't get me wrong, it's still a great piece, regardless, and it will be proudly displayed on my wall. But, judging from the condition in the pictures, I was hoping for something a little...older. Is it worth the $250 price tag? Absolutely! I've seen much worse in the $400 price range, so this is still a good deal. Just take it for what it is - a used and deactivated military surplus rifle (probably from the 50's or later). Not a pre or WWI/WWII piece.
It did arrive coated in cosmoline as expected, but was easily cleaned up. All mechanical actions worked well and there were no broken parts. The painted regiment stripes and letters add an interesting flare to the piece. The stamp marks are unlike any I can find in any reference books, which is common with the Indian models. So, trying to find any information will be difficult. Hopefully you will have better luck tracing the history of yours.