19180012

A Commercial rifle manufactured by the British Smalls Arms Company (B.S.A.CO) and of New Zealand origin as per the butt tang (14 C) and the serial prefix PB 6034.

This rifle was one of a number of commercial barrelled receivers purchased by the New Zealand Government from The British Small Arms Company.

This rifle has a matching receiver, barrel and bolt (PB6034) as well as a matching serial 5477 stamped on the bottom of the receiver and barrel. It shows the sold out of service marks as well as the BSA Co commercial proofs.

The barrel rear sight bed is marked to 600 yards and stamped HV for the higher velocity Mark VII ammunition.

This rifle was purchased with a New Zealand issued Mark III Small Magazine Lee Enfield as both rifles (most likely same owner) had their wood work swapped. Hence a repair has been made where the charger bridge was inlet.

The stock is a Magazine Lee Enfield Mark I with grove cut for the cleaning rod with the correct bayonet boss.

The rifle has the correct rear long range sight, front dial sight and dust cover.

The butt tang (14 C) reveals that it was on a rifle purchased by the New Zealand Government from Canada as part of their replacement and refurbishment program.

When this rifle was replaced in New Zealand service it was most likely sold to a Defence Rifle Club. Later when the SMLE was the nominated Service rifle for competitions the barrel was converted to the SMLE barrel length.  Still has a good barrel.  No tyre kickers as the parts alone are worth the listed price.

A Motty range sight may also be provided!

Magazine Lee Enfield, Shortened Rifle Club Pattern are referenced in Skennerton's reference book 'The Lee Enfield' at page 458.

Read the ‘The Long Tom Rifle in New Zealand Service’ by Major (Retd) Noel W Taylor ED***RNZIR which references the history of this rifle.