Milsurp After Hours

Been offered one of the Lithgow .22 Hornet conversions of the SMLE. Now doing my research. Built on a 1920 receiver, barrel has stamping on it indicating made for Slazenger, looks like the ones pictured in Skennerton.

However Skennerton states they used a "modified SMLE rearsight bed and leaf". From memory the rear sight looked standard, certainly the leaf looked unaltered but I didn't pay close attention to the bed as I wasn't aware it should be altered. From Skennertons pictures the modification to the sight bed should be obvious now I know what I'm looking for.

Can anyone tell me how the leaf was altered ?

Downside to this, and one reason I may not buy it, it has been drilled and tapped on the receiver wall for a scope mount. Scope is an old Raven and mount may be Field, is QD and looks period. The other reason I may not buy is the 1915 Enfield MkIII I just bought as I have the bits to bring it back to original trim. Unfortunately the wife doesn't see having the bits as a reason to buy another rifle.

I ask you - WOMEN Can't she see the investment potential there G

Graeme! you bugger!

That wouldn't be a Slazenger model 12 your onto there would it?

I've been after one of them for years.

Yeah Duncan, I can't figure out women at all. What other possible reason do you collect bits for than to build up complete rifles



Adam,

no not a Model 12. These are full size SMLE's sporterised and rechambered for .22 Hornet. Made at Lithgow either as commercial orders (usually for Slazenger) between the wars and post WW2 to keep the machinery running.

There are 2 Model 12's I've seen for sale recently $AUD150 & 175, but I think freight would kill it for you.

Any chance of some pictures to see the differences?

Well I am weak. I bought it. Did a trade for a BSA no 9 sight plus cash. Comes with a spare magazine and 100 rounds of ammo, so at the end of the day not a bad deal.

Negotiations were protracted as the owner is as bad as me when it comes to LE's. Had to show me his recent additions - the bolt on wire cutter for the SMLE, the 2&1/2 inch grenade discharger cup and the combination tool. Bastard. Also just bought a bulk lot of 50 oilers. Went into the shop at 1130AM and came out at 1PM.

Adam,

below is (hopefully) a scan of the SMLE plus a picture of the Model 12.

A mate I was telling about buying the Hornet says he has a complete set of furniture for one. Some-one gave it to him years ago so I'm getting it for the same price.

Someone is smiling down on you