Help ID British .303

[jwerlc]

I have a 303 that was one of my gradad's deer guns for as long as I can remember, (The other being an Argentine Mauser) there is nothing to identify it as an Enfield as far as I can tell. On the left side of the barrell at the receiver is stamped, in no particular order, MA VII, '50, a vertical stamping of L over an arrow over a 2, and a crown over crossed banners with an L over the banners and a P under them. On right side of barrell, are three stars with a 1 in each one, with I II III under them. The Letter c with the serial No.under that. On the grip of the stock is stamped AUSTRALIA. Also, on the strap under the safety, is MA/50, and the trigger guard is a faint BA.

THanks in advance for any and all help.
John

 

[rbernie]

Lithgow No1Mk3.

 

[rbernie]

vertical stamping of L over an arrow over a 2,

Lithgow Inspection Mark - #2 inspector

crown over crossed banners with an L over the banners and a P under them

Lithgow Proof Mark

By the way - look here and see if any of these markings are present. It'll tell you who got the rifle after Lithgow made it....

 

[jwerlc]

Thank you, rbernie, the link you enclosed was what I've been trying to find. Turns out it is indeed a Lithgow No 1 Mk 3 made in 1941 and issued in Australia according to the D arrow D stamp. It has a shorter forearm which I presume means it was "sporterized", but see no signs of wear on the top of the barrel where the top of the stock would have contact. Be that as it may, it is perfectly fine for what it was used for, a gun to carry in the truck for spur of the moment hunting in the hills. Wonderfully accurate at that with original iron sights.