Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this awesome bolt-action shotgun today for a penny-start auction, this is the Enfield SHT LE I**!
Please note: This particular example has multiple "DP" (Drill Purposes) markings, including the nose cap, all of which are mismatched components. Also, the left side plate -above the trigger- stamped “410 Rifle Factory Ishapore 1932” is also a mismatched component.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Enfield
Model: SHT LE I** (Also known as Short Magazine Lee–Enfield I** or SMLE I**).
Serial: 21655
Date of Manufacture: 1904
Caliber: .303 British
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 25 1/4"
Optics/Sights: Winged Protected Blade Front with Adjustable Tangent Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The right side of the plate -just above the trigger- is stamped with a Crown over ER proof mark, along with “ENFIELD / 1904 / SHT LE I** / I.P.”. The left side of the plate -just above the trigger- is stamped “410 / R.F.I. / 1932”. The left side of the receiver is stamped “CAI.ST.ALB.VT”. Various components are stamped “DP”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
A more compact and lightweight successor to the original Magazine Lee–Enfield (MLE), the Rifle, Short, Magazine, Lee–Enfield (SMLE)—colloquially pronounced “Smelly” rather than “S-M-L-E”—was officially adopted on 1 January 1904 after extensive trials at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield. Designed to combine the handling qualities of a cavalry carbine with the ballistic performance of a full-length rifle, the SMLE featured a 25.2-inch (640 mm) barrel—intermediate in length between its predecessors. Its most recognizable external feature was the distinctive blunt nose, with the bayonet boss projecting only slightly beyond the nosecap, a styling and functional choice influenced by the Swedish Model 1894 cavalry carbine. Mechanically, it incorporated a charger loading system derived from the German Mauser, though in an unconventional form: the guide for the charger clip (stripper clip) was machined into the bolt head rather than a fixed receiver bridge, as later became standard. Initial reactions to the shortened design were mixed; rifle association members, competitive marksmen, and military gunsmiths voiced concerns that the reduced barrel length might impair accuracy, increase felt recoil, and shorten the sight radius compared to the long-barreled MLE.
Model: SHT LE I** (Also known as Short Magazine Lee–Enfield I** or SMLE I**).
Serial: 21655
Date of Manufacture: 1904
Caliber: .303 British
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 25 1/4"
Optics/Sights: Winged Protected Blade Front with Adjustable Tangent Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The right side of the plate -just above the trigger- is stamped with a Crown over ER proof mark, along with “ENFIELD / 1904 / SHT LE I** / I.P.”. The left side of the plate -just above the trigger- is stamped “410 / R.F.I. / 1932”. The left side of the receiver is stamped “CAI.ST.ALB.VT”. Various components are stamped “DP”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
A more compact and lightweight successor to the original Magazine Lee–Enfield (MLE), the Rifle, Short, Magazine, Lee–Enfield (SMLE)—colloquially pronounced “Smelly” rather than “S-M-L-E”—was officially adopted on 1 January 1904 after extensive trials at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield. Designed to combine the handling qualities of a cavalry carbine with the ballistic performance of a full-length rifle, the SMLE featured a 25.2-inch (640 mm) barrel—intermediate in length between its predecessors. Its most recognizable external feature was the distinctive blunt nose, with the bayonet boss projecting only slightly beyond the nosecap, a styling and functional choice influenced by the Swedish Model 1894 cavalry carbine. Mechanically, it incorporated a charger loading system derived from the German Mauser, though in an unconventional form: the guide for the charger clip (stripper clip) was machined into the bolt head rather than a fixed receiver bridge, as later became standard. Initial reactions to the shortened design were mixed; rifle association members, competitive marksmen, and military gunsmiths voiced concerns that the reduced barrel length might impair accuracy, increase felt recoil, and shorten the sight radius compared to the long-barreled MLE.
Despite these reservations, the SMLE soon proved its worth in service, offering improved maneuverability in close terrain while retaining excellent long-range performance. The rifle was produced not only at Enfield and other British arsenals, but also at the Rifle Factory Ishapore in India, which became a major manufacturer of SMLE rifles for both British and colonial forces. Ishapore continued production well after the First World War, and in 1932, many early SMLE Mk I rifles were converted or upgraded at Ishapore to later specifications, extending their service life. This long production span and adaptability cemented the SMLE’s place as one of the most iconic and enduring military rifles of the 20th century.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
