Lithgow No. 1 Mk III* HB Range Rifle

Description

This is an excellent example of a post war Lithgow No. 1 Mk III* Target Rifle, also called a Range Rifle. These are referenced on page 343-345 & 521 in Ian Skennerton's definitive book 'The Lee Enfield'. Only Lithgow SAF manufactured the heavy barrel version of the No.1 MkIII*. These became very popular with rifle clubs in Australia in the 1930's, as only CMF (Citizen Military Forces) personnel were allowed to own military calibre rifles & were required to shoot regularly. Many were fitted with the aperture sight for target rifle shooting, these mainly being the Australian made Central No.4 although some were fitted with the Parker Hale PH 5A as this one is. Most had the rear sight removed when they had the aperture sight fitted. These PH5A sights are worth around $350 on their own in this condition. During WW2, the Australian government procured target rifles from rifle clubs under the National Securities Act. Rifle club members willingly handed over their SMLE's for the war effort & according to Ian Skennerton's book, many were used in the sniper program as they had already been accurised & were equipped with the heavy barrel, as marked by the 'H' on the barrel. These rifles were returned to their owners upon cessation of hostilities but if the original rifles was not able to be returned for some reason, a replacement was provided. We believe either this is one of these or was built into a target rifle post war from a 1941 Lithgow H rifle. No-one can be sure, even Ian, but this is a collectable old rifle & would be great for service rifle competitions. The barrel is not numbered at all but has all Lithgow proof marking & is stamped H. All other numbers match. We believe it may have come from South Australia, as it is marked 4/C11112 (SA was the 4th Military District) on the stock. Usually, rack or armoury numbers were on the stock but it appears this is an exception. Whatever its history, this is an accurate & interesting rifle. Would be great for service rifle comps. Please view all of the photos carefully as they form the main description & override all others.

Specifications